Support for flying foxes
The call from bat expert Lawrence Pope (2/5/20) for residents to support Bendigo's flying fox population is much needed, sadly, now more than ever.
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Flying fox numbers have declined massively since 1990 leaving their populations in "dire straits" as they face climate change, habitat destruction, loss of food sources, targeted shooting and fruit tree netting.
A southerly migration along the east coast for seasonal native food sees flying foxes pollinate trees at night helping keep forests, habitats and ecosystems healthy.
As a 'keystone' species (meaning many plants and animals depend on them for survival) they perform an essential role protecting biodiversity and supporting ecosystems.
So, what can we do to protect this threatened species? (1) Spread the word about the vital role flying foxes perform, (2) remove fruit tree nets and protect fruit you require with fine mesh bags (mesh size no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch to comply with new requirements), (3) report distressed or trapped flying foxes to your local wildlife carer, and (4) never handle flying foxes yourself. They need specialised care from certified wildlife carers.
Julie Sloan, Jackass Flat
Praise for national cabinet
Thank goodness for the national cabinet and Commonwealth Medical Officers.
A recent poll found 90 per cent of Australians were satisfied with how the coronavirus pandemic has been handled. But there are compelling reasons why.
The formation of the national cabinet, the inclusion of state and chief medical officers have curtailed division in this time of emergency.
Does this signal a new norm in the rough and tough of politics? I suggest not.
You get the feeling our Prime Minister can't shake this pandemic off fast enough to go back to his old ways, along with the minister for everything Peter Dutton.
One would have thought his time would be well and truly taken up with cruise ship problems, after the Ruby Princess disaster. The last thing we need is a politician grandstanding over whether Virgin airlines, whose headquarters are in Brisbane, should be saved or not.
If Peter Dutton was one of the 10,000 employees and thousands of others associated with this airline's collapse, his ideas would change - and in a hurry. Such is the noise from the protected.
Ken Price, Eaglehawk
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