The deadly traps that ensnare Australia's native wildlife are not always obvious. From fruit tree netting to fishing gear and barbed wire, these everyday items can become deadly for the country's unique fauna. The issue is particularly prevalent in New South Wales and Victoria, where thousands of animals are entangled annually, often resulting in injury or death. This crisis highlights the need for public awareness and action to protect Australia's native species.
The Fruit Tree Netting Crisis
One of the most insidious threats to wildlife comes from backyard fruit tree netting. While designed to protect homegrown produce, these nets can attract hungry flying foxes, birds, and possums, who become entangled in the large-aperture mesh. This is especially concerning for grey-headed flying foxes, listed as vulnerable under national environment laws. Ecologist Jasmine Vink warns that these bats often die from exposure, heat, dehydration, blood loss, and predation by raptors. The situation is dire, with very few bats able to be treated.
To address this, Vink suggests using wildlife-friendly netting with smaller mesh sizes and cross-weave designs. Fruit tree protection bags, which leave some branches free for wildlife, are also recommended. Most state environment departments advise using white or light-colored materials, which are easier for animals to see and avoid at night. Regularly checking and tautening the nets is crucial to prevent animals from sinking and folding around them.
In Victoria, a program called 'Net Swaps' has been successful in removing lethal netting and providing free wildlife-friendly alternatives. The state's conservation regulator encourages community members to report illegal netting, which has led to the investigation of 37 reports in the past year.
The Fishing Gear Hazard
Aquatic debris, including fishing gear and human rubbish, poses a significant threat to wildlife, particularly platypuses. Dr. Geoff Williams of the Australian Platypus Conservancy notes that fishing line is a major issue, causing horrendous injuries as it cuts through the skin. Hair ties, especially elasticated ones, are also a growing concern, as they can get swept along in the rain and end up in creeks, around the necks of platypuses.
To mitigate these dangers, Williams recommends retrieving and properly disposing of fishing line and cutting loops in litter. Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has implemented a successful program called 'Reel It In', which has collected over 250km of fishing line from popular fishing spots.
The Barbed Wire Threat
Outside urban areas, barbed wire fences present a serious risk to kangaroos and other land-based species. Wildlife Victoria has rescued over 800 kangaroos from fences in the past year, emphasizing the need for solutions. Replacing the top strand of barbed wire with plain wire or installing reflective or brightly colored poly tape can make fences more visible and reduce entanglements.
What to Do When You Find Trapped Wildlife
If you encounter trapped or entangled wildlife, it's crucial to avoid approaching or touching the animal, as this may cause stress. Contact your local wildlife rescue or use the International Fund for Animal Welfare's wildlife rescue app to find the closest licensed carer. Flying foxes should only be handled by trained and vaccinated individuals using proper protective equipment.
In conclusion, the issue of wildlife entanglement in everyday items is a complex and urgent problem. By raising awareness, implementing simple solutions, and taking individual and collective action, we can work towards reducing the number of native animals injured or killed by these deadly traps.
