This morning we had the privilege of checking a pit fall and funnel trap line with the herpetology (reptile and amphibian) team at Skid Hill. The trap consisted of 120m of mesh fence, approximately 30cm high. Along the line, buckets had been dug into the ground at intervals, and modified fish traps laid alongside the fence. When we walked the line and checked the traps, we were thrilled to find three species of frog (Banjo Frog, Moaning Frog and Quacking Frog) two species of lizard (Shrubland Snake Eyed Skink and Peron’s Earless Skink) and some adorable, tiny Honey Possums. One of the Honey Possums was in torpor when we took it out of the trap, which means it has slowed its metabolism and has a reduced body temperature. It was all curled up on itself, seemingly asleep, so we found it a safe little spot under a shrub to continue its nap.
Today was also our Community Day event at the Esperance Scout Hall. Each team brought their best specimens for display and we crossed our fingers hoping that a few people turned up. Were we in for a shock! As soon as the time hit 10am people came flooding in, keen to find out what species we had found in their little Esperance backyard. We helped the kids make pooters, a little contraption made from two pieces of tubing and a small container. The device allows you to safely suck up any small specimens into the container without fear of them going into your mouth! The children captivated by these, sucking up everything in sight! What a huge success.
In the afternoon we joined Jeremy Wilson and Dr Nikolai Tatarnic (WA Museum) for some foliage beating, leaf litter sifting and rock turning at Little Hellfire Bay. We snuck in a cheeky swim at Hellfire Bay before heading off on a beautiful hike to reach our beachside sampling area. We were greeted by the sight of three dolphins frolicking in the bay, so we took time out and watched them play for a while. We collected lots of specimens, and Jeremy got very excited by some Pseudoscorpions (small, scorpion-like arachnids) hiding under a granite rock!
