Issues around the natural environment
Snake Warning Veterinary Surgeon, Dr Rob Zammit, warned that it is now snake season. Even though the worst months (November and March) are still to come, vets around the country are already reporting cases of snakebite. Rob suggested taking these precautions to...
Spur-winged Plovers We visited the grounds of Sydney University, where a pair of Spur-winged plovers is nesting. The parents are very protective of their two chicks, and swoop any students who come too close. However, the plovers are unlikely to cause any harm,...
John Dengate explained that in spring, as the day length increases, birds are preparing for the breeding season. Male birds sing, display and defend their territories vigorously, attacking rivals and chasing them away. This is a good survival strategy because it means...
Dung Beetles We have over 350 native species of dung beetle in Australia, and about 22 species that have been introduced and become established. Dung beetles have been introduced into Australia from places like Mexico, Spain and South Africa. They were brought in to...
Re-Planting Local Environments Don visited a remnant cabbage tree palm forest on Sydney’s northern beaches and gave local residents some tips on preserving these beautiful native palms. The mature cabbage palms looked healthy, but they were growing in a lawn....
Don looked at a vegetable garden that is thriving without the use of toxic chemicals to control insect pests. Instead, a natural system of balance has been achieved by encouraging beneficial insects, such as ladybirds, to help keep pest insects at acceptable levels....
Eco Concepts Don visited Eco Concepts in Melbourne, and spoke to Rick Eckersley and Ben Kerr about the latest trends in landscaping materials and how to use them. Innovative products Rick explained that people can easily go to interior design showrooms, but...
Modern appliances are very convenient, but as John Dengate explained, they come with a hidden cost for both home owners and the environment. Twenty to thirty years ago appliances were either ‘on’ or ‘off’. Today, they can be ‘on’,...
Burke’s Backyard resident scientist, Graeme Quirk, considered the environmental benefits of going to the pub. Graeme said that drinking tap beer means that no cans or bottles have to be collected and recycled. In winter there are added benefits, because if a...
John Dengate sheltered under a tree on a rainy day, but discovered he wasn’t alone. He found a spider’s egg case, dozens of baby spiders, a dead beetle and the cocoon of a white-stemmed gum moth. The tree was home to an amazing number of insects, all...