Wombats in the Bents Basin State Conservation Area need your help.
Many are infested with mange, a skin condition that can lead to a slow and painful death.
The good news is that we can treat mange if we catch it early enough. That’s where citizen scientists can help.
By working alongside rangers and our biodiversity and wildlife team, you can take part in a pilot program to monitor the health and treatment of these free-living marsupials.
The wombats can treat themselves. Every time they leave and enter their warrens, they brush under special flaps that release an ointment. Once treated, they are less likely to be reinfested.
For more details, see the Bents Basin wombat program.
How can volunteers help?
Citizen scientists help throughout the year by:
- making burrow flaps
- monitoring wombats and their burrows using remote-sensing cameras
- tagging photos to identify wombats and other wildlife.
Who can volunteer?
This project is suitable for people aged 18 years or older with medium fitness. You’ll walk along creek lines, riverbanks, cliff edges and in steep and sometimes thickly vegetated rough terrain, in all weather.
You will also learn how to use a GPS and the cameras.
How do I get involved?
For more information, see the Bents Basin wombat program.
Or you can contact the NPWS Nattai area office on (02) 4632 4500 or email lyndal.kaye@environment.nsw.gov.au.