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All of the sightings and data that is collated will be incorporated in the records of Faunawatch. This is the database that is used by Government Departments to get a better picture of the distribution of wildlife and the viability of a species. I have attached an introductory letter from Keith Hickman, Co-ordinator of Faunawatch. I am on dial-up internet so have been unable to attach photos but will put them on a link for anyone who is interested.

My email address is a.house@skymesh.com.au. I look forward to receiving lots of great informative emails.

Fauna monitoring on the Sunshine Coast

“Faunawatch is a fauna recording system operating throughout the Sunshine Coast supported by the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland. The aim is to build a database of records of all species from as many people as possible scattered throughout the Sunshine Coast. The greater the number of records, and the broader the area covered the better the picture we can build of the current state of our native wildlife. Started in 1998 it is a long term on-going project.

If monitoring your own property we suggest a monthly record of sightings is kept, starting a new list at the beginning of each month. Information required is simple and straightforward. Obviously we need to know where you are, what you have seen, when you saw it and how many were seen. Also if you can recognise juveniles or are aware of breeding activities then that is of great importance to establishing the future viability of a species. It is important to know the food sources of animals, so if the plant being eaten, or the species predated upon can be recognised this too can be added. Records from other locations, such as outings to national parks or bush care sites can also be submitted.

We encourage everyone to become involved, you do not have to be an expert. Record only the species that you can positively identify. Hopefully, in time and with the help of our identification workshops you will be able to include more species to your list.

Download easy to complete Faunawatch forms here: http://www.wildlife.org.au/faunawatchreg.pdf

The Faunawatch program started in Maroochy and has expanded to include Caloundra, Noosa and Caboolture and now with council amalgamations the Pine Rivers and Redcliffe areas are recent additions.

If you are interested in participating are just wish to know more about the project please contact me or if you have digital photos of species you would like identified then please email them to Scott Burnett at burnettscott@hotmail.com.

Keith Hickman
Faunawatch Coordinator
WPSQ Sunshine Coast and Hinterland Inc.”