Learning conservation
Blackbutt Reserve offers visitors many opportunities to link conservation and research programs with recreation activities and environmental education.
Conservation initiatives undertaken at Blackbutt include:
Neo’s Story
November 2005
Many people may think caring for captive koalas is easy. Just pick some leaves and put them in water. I can assure you there is more to caring for Koalas than just feeding them a few leaves. One of our male koalas Neo has been receiving some special care off-exhibit. He is being treated for a fungal infection that is generally fatal. However with the assistance of our veterinary team and a team from Sydney University we have been treating Neo a least twice daily with a range of drugs (some very expensive) to fight this fungal infection which have not been used extensively in this way in the past. This treatment would not be possible without the assistance of Sydney University who has been sponsoring the drugs used. At this point I must also thank Chris Piggott and his wonderful team at the Blackbutt Pharmacy who kindly (often at very short notice) prepare a syrup from capsules to make easier administration. Thanks Chris and staff for donating to this cause. I am pleased to report at this stage we seem to be winning the battle with Neo almost back to normal. However it is early days as far as this infection goes. Treatment can last up to 12 months. This research will be used by Sydney University to help other Koalas both captive and wild populations to fight Cryptococcosis infection in the future.
Many of our visitors would have now seen our 3 baby Koalas. Two of these babies were born here at the Reserve and one arrived with its mum from the Australian Reptile Park in July, to enhance our collection. Due to Neo’s illness and the need to continue our breeding success in 2005/06 with our Koalas we have on loan a male from Featherdale Wildlife Park. The new male koala’s name is Nicholii and while Neo is out of action, is regularly used in our Koala encounter sessions.
October 2006
Our partnership with Sydney University with the research into the fatal disease Crytococcus has continued during 2006. Sydney University with funding from the Australian Koala Foundation for the supply of veterinary drugs has enabled the continued intensive treatment of Neo, one of our male koalas. Treatment has proved successful with Neo who is continuing to improve and showing signs of total recovery. Further studies on our other captive koalas have continued to provide valuable information to research on this disease.
The Salvinia removal project
During August 2004 Blackbutt Reserve staff and volunteers battled to remove a waterweed, Salvinia molesta from one of the Richley Reserve ponds.
Although successful removal of the weed was the obvious aim of the project, Blackbutt Reserve is also aiming to educate the public on the negative impacts and potential hazards that are caused by dumping aquatic life.
Salvinia removal project fact sheet 65 kb pdf
Nest Box Project
Throughout October 2003, 16 nest boxes were installed through the wildlife exhibit at Carnley Avenue. The aim of this project was to provide additional habitat for the wild fauna in the Reserve. A number of nest box designs were installed to cater for a range of species including possums, gliders, rosellas and lorikeets.
It is through this project that Blackbutt Reserve aims to promote awareness about the decline of habitat and the importance of conserving our wildlife.
Nest Box Project 64 kb pdf
