Dear all,
There is an isolated population of Emus on the coast between Yamba and Red Rock (NSW North Coast). The population is estimated at about 120 birds with their range contracting considerably over the last 12 years. Gina Hart, a NPWS Ranger raised awareness about their plight with BVBW and the ball is rolling. Their greatest challenge is persuading the NSW Government to re-route the proposed Grafton by-pass. Current plans will not only cut through Emu foraging habitat but also destroy many other fragile flora and fauna communities.
Feathers/tissue samples have been collected from birds on the coast over the years with the aim of comparing genetics with their western counterparts. Researchers at Macquarie University now want samples from out west in order to undertake some comparisons
This is a call for feather samples from Emus west of the Great Dividing Range. Feathers can be collected off a fence or a carcass. A bunch of 4-5 feathers with base of feather intact is preferred – any tissue attached to the base of a feather/s would be great, but avoid touching the base. Put the feather/s in a paper envelope together with the record of the locality, grid reference, date, and name of person/s collecting. Send samples to Gina Hart, NPWS Ranger, PO Box 361, Grafton NSW 2360 and Gina will forward them to Macquarie University.
Regards
Shirley Cook
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