14/11/2024
Each year the CWA of NSW Agriculture and Environment Committee select one example of a Fauna, Flora and Foe and a Primary Product for members to discuss.
Recently Kiama CWA held our Agriculture and Environment afternoon.
Microbats
Moira introduced us to Microbats, tiny nocturnal carnivorous bats which are so fast and small that it is difficult to see them. Look for piles of insect “bits” on the ground to see if you have any microbats controlling insects in your neighbourhood. They often have to compete for roosting sites so you can become a Microbat buddy by building a roosting box that can offer your Microbat buddies a hangout for daytime naps or even a safe place to sleep through winter when their food is scarce.
Just like larger bats never handle them but contact an appropriate wild life local wildlife rescue service for advice.
Fire Ants
Moira also may us aware of the danger of Fire Ants not only to our health but economic loss with destruction of livestock and infrastructure. The USA spends $US7 billion annually on damage repair, medical costs and control measures.
So far, the infestation in Australia has been confined to parts of South East Queensland due to the diligence of the Queensland Government and biosecurity legislation. However there has been a few incursions into other area through contaminating soil etc. Play your part and keep us all safe when visiting SE Queensland.
Seaweed
Cheryl presented a fascinating discussion on the primary produce Seaweed the macroscopic and marine form of Algae which is used for an amazing range of products. Cheryl finished her talk with a very topical issue, the effect of feeding seaweed to cattle to reduce methane production and therefore carbon emissions. There has been much in the news about the effectiveness of this research but unfortunately this may not the panacea we hoped as there could be adverse effects on the digestion and health of the cattle as well as the products, milk and meat.
Our new year areas of study are Frogs, Saltbush, the Common Myna and Australian grown cut flowers.
