Bird

Learn about local native species in mammals booklet

Tuesday 8 November, 2022
The 30 species of native mammals who reside in the Goulburn Broken catchment are the feature of a new booklet produced by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GB CMA).

The 30 species of native mammals who reside in the Goulburn Broken catchment are the feature of a new booklet produced by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GB CMA).

Titled The Mammal Book, the 58-page, colour publication is authored by GB CMA project officer, Janice Mentiplay-Smith.

The resource was created as part of the Linking Landscapes and Communities Grey Box Grassy Woodlands project which is supported by the Goulburn Broken CMA through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

“Packed full of photos and information, this booklet is an informative guide to the mammals of the Goulburn Broken catchment, specifically the 30 native species found predominately in the Grey Box Grassy Woodlands,” Ms Mentiplay-Smith said.

“From kangaroos and dunnarts, platypus to microbats, they are all covered in this booklet, making it a fantastic local resource.”

The booklet also features information on some of the long-extinct megafauna species that once roamed throughout the catchment such as the Diprotodon, a giant wombat, and Marsupial Lion.

“As well, the guide explores how native fauna is a part of our collective cultural consciousness,” Ms Mentiplay-Smith said.

“For example, Brush-tailed Possum skins are important in Traditional Owner culture and native fauna are represented in many facets of arts, sports and even governance.

“There is a section on the species that have become extinct since European settlement, such as the White-footed Rabbit-rat, which was actually a native rodent.”

Many of the images were taken by local people.

“The photos are all of high quality and I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who generously shared them for this publication.”

To receive a free copy of The Mammal Book email janicem@gbcma.vic.gov.au or call in to the Goulburn Broken CMA office at 168 Welsford Street Shepparton (next door to Princess Park Clinic) on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am-4pm.

The Mammal Book was written by Goulburn Broken CMA project officer Janice Mentiplay-Smith. Yellow-footed Antechinus and front cover photo by Chris Tzaros.

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