Making room for native speciesLoss of habitat is the single biggest cause of extinction of Australian native species. The clearing of land for agriculture has wiped out many species of birds and other tree dwelling creatures. Those that remain must contend with domestic and feral animals, and people. One of the most profoundly affected residents of the Australian bush is the Koala. The cute bear like marsupial, which was hunted almost to extinction for its pelt is now found in small colonies throughout Eastern Australia. The estimated population of Koalas Australia-wide is around 80000. A large number of Koalas live within range of human contact and in parts of Southeast Queensland and rural NSW the Koala can quite happily coexist with humans although it is facing pressure from urban development in these areas. About 4000 Koalas are killed annually by cats, dogs, and cars. Many more are injured or left helpless in infancy by the death or incapacitation of their mother.
In NSW injured animals are cared for by the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service, also known as WIRES. If you find an injured animal the following steps are recommended.
Step 1 - Remove any threat to the animal. This may mean locking up cats and dogs until the animal is rescued by a licensed rescuer.
Step 2 - Minimise stress by placing a towel or blanket over the animal, then gently place in a box. Put the box in a warm, quiet, dark room and DO NOT DISTURB. The stress associated with human contact can result in death.
Step 3 - Seek advice. If you live in New South Wales, call WIRES on 1300 094 737.
WIRES will give you advice on what to do until a trained WIRES rescuer comes to take the animal to a vet or WIRES foster carer. The foster carer will look after the animal until it is ready to be returned to the wild. Have you found an injured animal? What did you do with it? Would you consider becoming a WIRES volunteer? Should you confine your pets at night?
In NSW injured animals are cared for by the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service, also known as WIRES. If you find an injured animal the following steps are recommended.
Step 1 - Remove any threat to the animal. This may mean locking up cats and dogs until the animal is rescued by a licensed rescuer.
Step 2 - Minimise stress by placing a towel or blanket over the animal, then gently place in a box. Put the box in a warm, quiet, dark room and DO NOT DISTURB. The stress associated with human contact can result in death.
Step 3 - Seek advice. If you live in New South Wales, call WIRES on 1300 094 737.
WIRES will give you advice on what to do until a trained WIRES rescuer comes to take the animal to a vet or WIRES foster carer. The foster carer will look after the animal until it is ready to be returned to the wild. Have you found an injured animal? What did you do with it? Would you consider becoming a WIRES volunteer? Should you confine your pets at night?
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