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Now you see them, now you don't.

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Veronica Ross

Day 3 started with an early start again. At 6.30 we headed out to a location near base camp in a sandstone outcrop. Our quest was the Pseudantechinus, a small rodent a little larger than a mouse with large ears and a thick tail. A number of traps were set the night before in the hope to catch them. They had been seen on camera but none have been trapped on the Eylandt before. The scientist are keen to know if this is a new species or an extension of range for the current species. It was elusive the day before and again it proved to be elusive. A number of traps had animals inside but none were the pseudantechinus but instead we released a number of bandicoots and quolls. It is believed that the quolls and bandicoots were scaring the pseudantechinus so another form of trapping them was needed, possibly a pit trap with a funnel to prevent the quoll eating the pseudantechinus.

Today was our community day with sessions at Angurugu and Umbakumba. Both sessions featured plant rubbings, insect collection, microscopes, animal trapping and frog identification to name just a few of the activities. A sausage sizzle ensured good involvement and participation with both adults and students interacting with the scientist, rangers and teachers. Both sessions were extremely successful with almost 100 people attending each. Again I am in awe of these scientists and their willingness to share their knowledge to all.