Hail Mary To These River Turtles

If you heard the word turtles, what would be the first thing that would come into our heads? Maybe that book you’d recall from your childhood written by Dr. Seuss (Yertle the Turtle) that made you giggle and laugh, or maybe the quadruplets we had learned to know as Raphael, Donatello, Michaelangelo, and Leonardo (Ninja Turtles), or maybe back to the classics of Disney to little Squirt from Finding Nemo, that had won our hearts in an instant. They are EVERYWHERE! In entertainment media, the referencing of turtles is usually depicted as a creature in strife; but in reality, they’re actually disappearing.

You can ask yourself, have you ever heard of “Mary River Turtles”? Just in case you haven’t (which is more often the case), they are endangered short-necked turtles that in Australia were pretty popular as pets between the years 1964 to 1974, and were actually described as ‘a new species within a new genus’ with no other turtles closely related to it… but that was before, and now… they’re practically gone.

Not only are the turtles practically extinct from what had happened during the 60’s to 70’s but even if there were about a thousand more eggs of these stunning creatures, what’s to say that they’d even live long enough to hatch, given the fact that the young of these turtles can only be born in freshwater environments that are deemed “fresh” by the parent turtle’s preference – which is very often choosy. Adult turtles as soon as they give birth leave their eggs to hatch on beaches with only sand as their protection from foxes, raccoons, and other wild creatures in the forest setting that both eat the eggs, step on them, or even make a habitat for their young to seek nourishment from. It’s the hard truth and a lot of the pressure comes from people themselves who are just making it worse for these turtles, not only do the hatchling fight of animals but also human made problems; pollution along the river banks and building of dams to name a few catastrophic occurrences coming from human activities.

To date, the government have compensated for a couple of state-initiated projects that involve the Mary River – the central habitat of these turtles – one being the Traveston Crossing Dam, which was supposed to be a project that would provide water to a part of Queensland that received a record-low amount of rain. However, this dam wasn’t popularly seen as a benefit to society as it affected a significant part of the Mary River that had a big effect of naturally displacing a lot of biotic factors in that environment – especially these turtles. Other than the local townspeople of Queensland striking against the effect of this government project that would likely affect the wildlife inhabiting the Mary River, the ethnic group known as the Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal people were considered to be affected as well as they were offered a cash incentive amounting to more than $1.0M as a form of trade-off to the area which they occupy – they out rightly refused this as a form of a solid opposition against this act of cultural and ecological loss.

As of right now anyone from around the world can help in raising awareness for these marvelous creatures and donate money to help stop people from destroying this species. From Marilyn Connell and the members of Tiaro Landcare Group that are trying their best to keep this race going and had implemented a project in helping not only these turtles but other wild-life too, and even you can help, one small act of picking up garbage and throwing it in the right place is a big step in changing the world. You won’t have to do it for anyone else – you can do it for yourself.

 

Sources:

https://rainforestconnections.org/projects/MaryRiverTurtle

http://www.wildlife.org.au/news/2014/maryriverturtle.html

http://australianmuseum.net.au/Uploads/Images/8234/mary_river_adult_medium.jpg

http://media2.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2010/05/28/GGT_29-05-2010_EGN_07_Releasing%20Mary%20River%20Turtles%2016%20March%2007_1__fct500x308_t460.jpg

 

Revisiting the Swan Lake Case: A Matter of Environmental Preservation vs. Economic Gains

The government of Queensland has recently released its joint statement in response to the petition filed by the local residents of Brisbane regarding the proposed conversion of the Swan Lake at the Fisherman Islands into a parking area. It was the private owners of the Port of Brisbane Limited (PBPL) who had deliberately chosen the Swan Lake as the most feasible location to transfer at least 10,000 of the imported cars from the said port (Moore, 2013).

This had induced the local residents to file a petition against this proposal. It is stipulated in their petition, signed by exactly 2, 659 residents, the inability of the PBPL to recognize its environmental responsibilities one of which is for the protection of its immediate natural environment and resources.  The petitioners also further stated that the consequences of such proposal when permitted outweigh the anticipated economic gains for the PBPL (Petition to PBPL).

Having said this, the government in response had obviously not permitted the PBPL to enact its proposal. The incumbent premier of Queensland, Campbell Newman, had expressed his disapproval believing that this problem can be resolved within the bounds of the port perhaps by doing some renovations and not necessarily by compromising its environment deemed so important for the residents. “I’m confident that we can work with the Port so that there can be more car storage space and still maintain this waterway which has been highlighted as important by the local community.” In which he further added, “We are committed to delivering better planning and we think that there is an opportunity for the port to pursue alternative options and create a win-win outcome.” (Shield, 2013).

Therefore, the Government of Queensland manifested a remarkable sense of fair and just administration in which potentially leads to good governance. Through its decision, it had served as a model not only to other states in Australia but to the international political arena as well, emphasizing that any government should not only focus on its economic gains and prosperity but it has to take into account the possible consequences of its decisions to the environment.

References:

1. Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee. Request- Port of Brisbane- Save an Iconic Lake at Fisherman’s Island, QLD. Petitioned Port of Brisbane  Pty Ltd. N.d. Web. 1 Mar 2014. http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/port-of-brisbane-pty-ltd-request-port-of-brisbane-save-an-iconic-lake-at-fisherman-s-island-qld

2. Moore, Tony. Battle to Save Brisbane’s Swan Lake. Brisbane Times. Environment. 25 October 2013. Web. 1 Mar. 2014. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/battle-to-save-brisbanes-swan-lake-20131024-2w4na.html

3. Shield, Stephanie. Media Statements. Joint Statement. Government Steps in to Save Swan Lake. 3 Nov 2013. Web. 1 Mar 2014. http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/11/3/government-steps-in-to-save-swan-lake

Save Koalas From Possible Extinction!

Some might be wondering why possible extinction? Are they already endangered? As from the last blog post, it only says that koalas are vulnerable.

The thing is, recently, koalas are infected by severe epidemic called chlamydia. According to BBC, there were some regions in Australia that were infected and even reached a high percentage as 90. It is a horrid bacterial disease with symptoms including blindness, respiratory infections, and even infertility. The other problems that koalas are facing as we have learned are the dog attacks, habitat loss, noise disturbance and such. With that being said, plus the threat of the severe epidemic on the infertility of female koalas, this could lead the cute koalas into extinction.

In spite of this bad news, there is still hope for the Australians because the epidemic can be treated with antibiotics and there are volunteers helping rehabilitate the sick koalas. Plus, there is a vaccine nearing development that can help them.Here is a part of the sample letter coming from one of the petitioners who wants to save the koalas from possible extinction and wants a national solution through an Act so it will not be limited to local or state solutions which was said to be inadequate.

 

“With a vaccine in development, now is the time to grant the animal greater federal protection under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), providing the species with a chance of recovery.This national emblem deserves national protection, rather than patchwork solutions offered at state and local levels that provide inadequate coverage.”

 

As far as the citizens are concerned, they are moving so fast.  There are a lot of them who already signed for the petition that is asking koalas to be elevated in the endangered status and ensure that there will be enough resources to give in order for the epidemic be prevented.

 

They only need around 9, 000 plus signatures after successfully having 40, 297 already signed. They need 50, 000 all in all so that the Australia’s Federal Environment Minister will give the status that they want.  These just shows to us how people in Australia have their own initiative to really come up with a petition and do not wait for the government to make a move. They are also taking advantage of the ease of Internet.  The people of Australia seems to really know the worth of koala to them that is why they care so much and wants to end this catastrophe in no time.

 

References

GreaterGood. (2014, March 8). The Animal Rescue Site. Retrieved March 9, 2014, from http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/petition/AustraliaKoalas

Save koalas from possible extinction. (n.d.).  The Petition Site. Retrieved March 9, 2014, from http://www.thepetitionsite.com/632/814/934/save-koalas-from-possible-extinction/

More protection for Koalas

One of the most unique animals in the world is the Koala. It is a native of Australia. It can be found today in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. They are also in other countries, but mostly in the zoos. The difference though in their situation in Australia and in other parts of the world is that, in Australia, they are actually living with people.

The reason for this is that 80% of their habitat has been destroyed. Since Koalas are forced to live in the urban area, much is expected to really protect the country’s “Animal Ambassadors”. However, there were drastic changes.

“Every year, 11,000 koalas are estimated to be killed by cars. They also die as a result of dog attacks and bacterial diseases. They face the constant destruction of their habitat and food, the eucalyptus trees. There were many bushfires in ’94 and ’95 with the drought that happened in Australia, further straining the diminishing koala habitat. The Australian Koala Foundation has estimated that there are only 40,000 to 80,000 koalas left today, down from around 400,000 in the early 1980’s (Broken Dreamtime ’95). ”

Last 2012, after three years of assessment, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee declared Koalas to be listed as “vulnerable” animals. In order to solve this issue, Australia’s Commonwealth Government released a document, a draft of referral guidelines about vulnerable koalas, to be applied to the Environmental Preservation & Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act for comment in 2013.The copy of the draft is still available in their environment government website.

Wildfire Queensland was asked by the government to make a comment about the referral which was closed last February 7, this year.  They said that there were many positive things about the referrals but there are still issues that need to be addressed and improved. One of which is the need for detailed mapping of the koala’s entire habitat, they also want an increase in the amount of high-quality koala habitat available, and being aware of the koala’s entire habitat range as among others.

                                                                   Photo by Doreen Payne

It is a good initiative from the government to actually open and ask special agencies about their referral for comments. This shows us that in terms of environmental issues, specifically about Koalas, we can say that there is transparency. It should really be there since the Koala is not really an ordinary animal but an animal and icon that makes them uniquely Australians. Also, it is an animal that is living with Australian individuals so it is really close to them.

I have to commend Queensland Wildfire because from their comments, one can really tell that they just really want the good for the Koalas. In addition, they question if it is too late to solve the issues. Time can only tell but I also do hope that it is not yet too late. As long as efforts are being made, which I do think is evident in their government and environmental groups, I do think that they can get through this especially that there is a dialogue between them.

References:

Anderson, Lori . “Saving the Koala.” Saving the Koala. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/issueguides/Koala/index.html&gt;.

“Koala populations in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory and national environment law.” Department of the Environment. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/koala-populations-queensland-new-south-wales-and-australian-capital-territory-and-national&gt;.

Turnbull, Samantha . “Greater protection for koalas.” – ABC North Coast NSW. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2012/04/30/3491805.htm&gt;.

“Wildlife Queensland – More protection for koalas.” Wildlife Queensland – More protection for koalas. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://www.wildlife.org.au/news/2014/koalas.html&gt;.

Mary river turtle: Shelling up from the last straw

Elusor macrurus – this is the scientific name of this species of turtle that lives and thrives in the Mary River in Queensland, Australia. The turtle was initially a fresh find in 1994 by John Cann who initially collected four adults of the species in a property at the Mary River. Cann was also behind describing the tortoise as follows:

“The Mary River Tortoise is dark brown, rusty red-brown to almost black above, with a greyish underbody, a broadly oval shell with a median notch, and a moderately sized plastron (the lower half of the shell) which is about twice as long as broad (Cogger 2000; Thomson et al. 2006). The plastron may be cream to yellow, the skin of the inguinal areas pinkish-white, and the dorsal skin grey, suffused with pink on the transverse lamellae scales (Flakus 2002). The species also has pointed tubercles (small, rounded protuberances on the skin) on the neck. Unlike most Australian freshwater turtles (Berry & Shine 1979), males are larger than females. Females grow to 34 cm long, and males to 42 cm long. The shells of females are wider at the front than at the back, and the shells of males are narrow and straight-sided. Tails of males are very long and laterally compressed (Cogger 2000). The carapace (upper shell) of adult males is generally longer than 35 cm, and the tail is longer than 7 cm. This species displays physiological features that allow for cloacal respiration (it has bursae, which are structures like gills in its cloaca, with which it can obtain some oxygen from the water) (Flakus 2002). It has large hind feet, and is a fast swimmer (Thomson et al. 2006).” (Environment.gov.au, 2013)

Well, that was a long description coming from a biologist – it must have been just right. To make it simpler, various online blogs published a couple of pictures giving character to the Mary River Turtle in the hopes of contributing to the preservation of the endangered tortoise. The pictures below depict the turtle having a “punk rock” look as it sports green algae on its head that gives off the look ofa green mohawk on the tortoise.

On the top, you’ll see the face of the Mary River Turtle as featured in the blog of animal lover, Carly Brooke, entitled “The Featured Creature”, which talks about unique animals (both pets and wild ones) with a follow-up on social media creating awareness in large social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The blog’s entry on the Mary River Turtle is entitled, “Meet the Ultra Punk-Rock Mary River Turtle That’s Battling Extinction” which precisely speaks of the tortoise’s situation in the wild while adding a personified edge to the sea animal’s aesthetic values. Aside from her obsession with animals and the way each and every one of them are different and behave differently, Carly Brooke’s interest for the way creatures behave is also evident in her educational background as a psychology student who studies human behavior. She, through her blog, is able to reach into the hearts of many people online through her blog as she is able to create a personified creature we, humans, can sympathize with. Her way of giving a helping hand to these creatures of nature is speaking out to people in the best way she could.

Among other things that John Cann and Carly brooke have mentioned, the Australian government also made public, through Cann and his associates’ research, the knowledge of the major threats that the tortoises are facing which is namely, predation/lack of recruitment/breeding, dams and weirs – where the major threat of the Traveston Crossing Dam construction would have wiped out the species of the Mary River Turtle (along with many other endangered species along the construction line), and lastly, other human induced threats to the ecological balance of natural habitats – like soil erosion, soil & water pollution, weed infestation that would cause land banks to be unsuitable for nesting, and other interrelated effects therein.

In my own way, as a human being, my own way of saving this tortoise may seem hopeless considering that the Philippines is still quite a distance from the land down under. However, I’d like to think that by expressing my sentiment to this tortoise by citing other peoples’ efforts in saving it, I am one of the voices that add to the noise barrage calling out to the saving of this endangered specie – the Mary Land Turtle.

References:

Department of the Environment (2014). Elusor macrurus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from:http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Sat, 1 Mar 2014 19:57:10 +1100.

Brooke, Carly. “Meet the Ultra Punk-Rock Mary River Turtle That’s Battling Extinction” The Featured Creature. 29 Apr 2013. Treehugger & ABC News. 01 Mar 2014 <http://www.thefeaturedcreature.com/2013/04/meet-the-ultra-punk-rock-mary-river-turtle-thats-battling-extinction.html&gt;.

Hundreds of Swans No Longer In Peril

By Wildy Pahayahay

Alongside the relentless urbanization in Queensland, the number of imported cars arriving each year at the Port of Brisbane has significantly increased by 11.8 percent (Moore, 2013). In order to accommodate these cars, the owners of the privatized-port proposed to the local government the ‘concretization’ of Swan Lake at the Fisherman’s Island. This had subsequently caused uproar among the locals having considered its implications for various creatures in which predominantly wetland birds such as Swans.

Photo by News Limited

As quoted by Vogler (2013) in his article, this man-made Swan Lake was actually built primarily as a retention basin that filters the wastes from the city before it reaches the bay. Along with this purpose, this lake was also built in such a way that led to the development of biodiversity. In effect, this lake is hitherto a sanctuary for more than hundreds of different creatures. As written in the petition that was sent to the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL), this lake is somewhat of vital importance for the residents for it is deemed as ‘iconic’ that could potentially serve as an environmental educational site and induce ecotourism. By converting this lake into a car storage, the signatories expressed their opinion pertaining to this issue that PBPL had failed to acknowledge the importance of the preservation of natural environment and resources (Petition to PBPL).

Luckily, in the joint statement released last November 3, 2013 by the Queensland Government, their decision was in favor of the petitioners and this was evident by directing the port operators to preserve the area (Shield, 2013).

This lake is now a habitat for some animals such as Swans. In reality, such creatures are very particular with the place they choose to live. They only dwell in a place where they feel safe and secured. Therefore, it would have been so depressing if people permitted the PBPL’s proposal and deprived these precious Swans of this haven. Having been endowed with such resources, it is expedient for everyone to protect and preserve whatever ‘wealth’ they have.

References:

1. Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee. Request- Port of Brisbane- Save an Iconic Lake at Fisherman’s Island, QLD. Petitioned Port of Brisbane  Pty Ltd. N.d. Web. 1 Mar 2014. http://www.change.org/en-AU/petitions/port-of-brisbane-pty-ltd-request-port-of-brisbane-save-an-iconic-lake-at-fisherman-s-island-qld

2. Moore, Tony. Battle to Save Brisbane’s Swan Lake. Brisbane Times. Environment. 25 October 2013. Web. 1 Mar. 2014. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/battle-to-save-brisbanes-swan-lake-20131024-2w4na.html

3. Shield, Stephanie. Media Statements. Joint Statement. Government Steps in to Save Swan Lake. 3 Nov 2013. Web. 1 Mar 2014. http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/11/3/government-steps-in-to-save-swan-lake

4. Vogler, Sarah. Port of Brisbane’s Plan Is For the Birds as Newman Government Steps in to Save Swan Lake. Courier Mail News. 3 Nov 2013. Web. 1 Mar. 2014. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/port-of-brisbanes-plan-is-for-the-birds-as-newman-government-steps-in-to-save-swan-lake/story-fnihsr9v-1226752052136