Inspired by goannas!

Echidna and goanna expert, Dr Peggy Rismiller, visited Eyre Peninsula October 20-21^st to present a series of field walks and a community information evening at Coffin Bay hosted by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula.

About 50 people attended the Coffin Bay talk and almost everyone in attendance had seen goannas, while very few people present had seen an echidna.

Natural Resources Coastal Officer Kerryn McEwan said Dr Rismiller presented a fascinating talk on the behaviour and of echidnas and goannas.

“She presented some rare images of echidna and goanna young and juveniles, and a recent photo of a goanna eating a dead snake at the Coffin Bay boat ramp,” she said.

“It is hoped that the information will help the community with identifying whether the goannas are Rosenbergs or Sand goannas when reporting sightings.”

The bounce back of the goanna population on Lower Eyre Peninsula is attributed to the removal of hard hooved animals from the Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Parks which has allowed for the natural regeneration of vegetation, and to the long term feral animal control in these parks.

“Dr Rismiller led and interesting nature walks in the two parks. She pointed out goanna tracks, scatchings and ‘squidging’ marks, this is when the goannas rub their chest across the ground, and goanna burrows.”

The community is encouraged to continue to report sighting of goannas, dead or alive, and echidnas, by contacting the Natural Resources Centre on Tasman terrace. Information should include where and when the goanna was sighted, a size estimate, include a photo to allow accurate identification, and any comments. Things of interest are photos of goannas up trees, if you come across a dead goanna still intact bag it and bring it in to the centre. These specimens will be sent on to the SA Museum.

Find out more about native animals.