Free presentation on goannas and echidnas
Local residents can get an insight into why goannas and echidnas are important indicators of ecosystem health at a free public seminar next week. Author and wildlife expert Dr Peggy Rismiller, from Kangaroo Island, is coming to Eyre Peninsula and will share her knowledge about both animals at the Coffin Bay Yacht Club, on Tuesday 21st October from 7.00 pm – 8.30pm.
Local residents can get an insight into why goannas and echidnas are important indicators of ecosystem health at a free public seminar next week.
Author and wildlife expert Dr Peggy Rismiller, from Kangaroo Island, is coming to Eyre Peninsula and will share her knowledge about both animals at the Coffin Bay Yacht Club, on Tuesday 21st October from 7.00 pm – 8.30pm.
District Manager for Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula’s Port Lincoln region, Peter Wilkins said Dr Rismiller was known as an engaging and thought-provoking speaker.
Mr Wilkins said goannas were the last remaining large, native, terrestrial predator in southern SA and it was important to understand their role in contributing to broader ecosystem health.
“They are classified as Endangered on Eyre Peninsula, but recent recorded sightings of Rosenberg’s goannas around Coffin Bay suggest that Coffin Bay NP, Coffin Bay township and Southern EP may be an important mainland site for the species in SA,” he said.
“Over 75 observations of goannas have been recorded by volunteers on Lower Eyre Peninsula in the past three years and this helps us to better understand our local species and their habitat.”
Mr Wilkins said the volunteer efforts of Doug Clark, Alan Tingay, Jan and Barry Hetherington had been instrumental in tracking goanna sightings from the Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Park areas.
“We hope this seminar may encourage other interest in both goannas and echidnas,” he said.
“We are always interested in increasing our local knowledge of our wildlife and encourage the public to bring along photos of goannas or echidnas they’ve seen on Eyre Peninsula.”
Dr Peggy Rismiller OAM is the author of the book Echidnas: Australia’s Enigma. In the late 1980s she moved from the US to Kangaroo Island where she runs the research program at the Pelican Lagoon Research Centre. In 2006, Peggy was awarded the Order of Australia for services to science.
Reserve a spot for yourself by emailing DEWNR.NREPAdmin@sa.gov.au or by calling 8688 3111.
Learn more about Dr. Rismillers inspiring scientific work and some behind the scenes goanna monitoring work that is happening local on our website.
