Numbat Season declared open at Dryandra Woodland SE of Perth

15/10/97

'Numbat Season' has been declared open at Dryandra Woodland, 180km south-east of Perth.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) initiative followed requests from the public about the best times and places to see numbats in the wild.

"Numbat season has been introduced to encourage people to visit Dryandra when they have the best opportunity of seeing a numbat," Mrs Edwardes said.

The numbat, a small termite-eating marsupial and Western Australia's faunal emblem, was once widespread throughout much of southern Australia. The introduction of exotic predators such as the European Fox greatly reduced its home range to only two areas in the whole of Australia - Dryandra Woodland and Perup Nature Reserve, east of Manjimup.

The Minister said the recovery of the numbat in Dryandra Woodland had been spectacular following the introduction of CALM's baiting programs for foxes in 1983.

The numbat was one of the few native mammals that were active during the day, resulting in an increasing number of people wanting to see this enchanting creature.

"Population numbers are at their highest this time of year, as young numbats start to become more independent and explore new territory for their own home range," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The milder spring weather also encourages them to become active for a greater part of the day, resulting in increased numbat sightings.

"The open nature of the Wandoo at Dryandra Woodland provides an ideal opportunity for viewing this unique Australian icon."

Mrs Edwardes said CALM offered people the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the numbat and the other inhabitants of Dryandra Woodland through its 'Dryandra Woodland Ecology Course'. The next series of this popular course would be held on the weekend of October 31 to November 2.

"The course allows people to try radio tracking, trapping and identifying native animals as well as participating in traditional Aboriginal cultural activities including fire-making," the Minister said.

The course is ideal for anyone with an interest in natural and cultural heritage and the cost of $185 includes all food, accommodation and course materials.

For people wishing to stay in the heart of the Dryandra Woodland, accommodation is available at the Lions Dryandra Woodland Village. These rustic ex-Forestry Department cottages are available to the public as holiday rentals. There are also a variety of accommodation venues such as farmstays, caravan parks and motels all within a 20 minute drive.

Media contacts: Ministerial - Diana Russell Coote (08) 9421 7777

CALM - Tim Bowra (08) 9 81 1113