Protecting the Western Ringtail Possum - Vet Visit

Good afternoon parents,

This morning we were lucky enough to have Dr Felicity Bradshaw from the Dunsborough Vet Clinic and Mrs Sasha Boundy a local Wildlife carer come in to talk to us about the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum.

This was a fantastic initiative facilitated by Sophie Scanlon in which the ladies saw an opportunity to speak to the students about the features of the possums found in the area, what they eat, some of the dangers they face and most importantly how we can help.

The students had a fantastic time learning all about the possums...there was a sneaky visitor around the place...his name was Boris but he was a little shy!

One of the main points of interest was how we could protect them. Some of the ideas included:

• being involved in local tree planting sessions - there is one being held on Sunday 3rd November from 10.30am - 12pm in the Windlemere Reserve. If you would like to come along and help out, please contact Danae Plowman on 0405 725 118.
• keep our cats and dogs inside at night and on leads in the early mornings in case a possum has fallen and is injured.
• build possum highways between trees using strong rope.
• build possum boxes - possums can have up to 4 different homes!
• provide water sources high up in trees for them to use in warmer weather.
• donate to local wildlife carers - they shoulder a large portion of the cost themselves. As a class we had a chat about how any spare pocket money could be brought in and I could pass it on to Sasha.

It was a fantastic visit and the students really learnt a lot about this amazing creature!