Archive for July, 2008

Koala survives 100km/hr collision

Tuesday, July 15th, 2008

The Courier Mail reports a story about a koala that survived being hit by a car travelling at 100km/hr, near Petrie in Queensland. The koala’s head and arm were forced through the car grille by the impact.

A call was made to the Caboolture Koala Care and Rescue group, who cut around the car’s grille mesh to release the animal. The koala was taken to the Australian Wildlife Hospital at Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast have dubbed the 8-year-old marsupial Ely “Lucky” Grills, after the late Australian television actor.
The 8-year old male koala suffered no serious injuries in the unusual car versus koala clash.

Australian Long-necked Tortoises infected by Bristle Worms

Monday, July 14th, 2008

I heard report on ABC radio this morning about Australian long-necked tortoises from around the mouth of the Murray River that have been infected by a parasitic bristle worm that lives in the salty water.

The bristle worms grow on the tortoise’s shell and can get under the shell. As the worms grow bigger and bigger, they impact the tortoise’s mobility, if they get under the shell can stop the legs moving in or out of the shell. The weight of the worms make it difficult for them to move on land where they become victim to foxes and rats.

Import of Savannah Cat into Australia

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

The Savannah cat is a cross between the Serval, an African wildcat, and a domestic cat. It can grow much larger than a domestic cat.

According to an ABC report, members of the scientific community have urged the government to ban the importation of the cat which is due to become available in Australia next year. Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has said he will prohibit the import of the pet if it is shown to be a risk for the environment.

Koala proof fence

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

Special koala proof fencing is used along major roads through koala habitat. The fence is chain wire about 1.5m high with a 600mm wide Colorbond sheet metal strip secured to the top of the fence and clipped to the mesh. Koalas cannot climb the fence and get onto the road. This blurry photo was taken from car at speed on the freeway. Queensland, Australia.

unknown moth with big eyes

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

The moth was photographed on a post of our veranda. It has curious large eyes and a pointed “snout”.

Can anyone identify it?

location: Queensland, Australia.
Length: about 2cm

Pentax K100D digital SLR camera with Tamron SP AF90mm f2.8 1:1 macro lens