Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica

The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is 25,100 acres and is part of the Arenal Huetar Norte Conservation Area. Named as a 'Wetland of International Importance' in 1991, the refuge lies in northern Costa Rica, a significant humid zone in the country.

The refuge includes shallow, freshwater wetlands that host record numbers of migratory waterbird species including storks, spoonbills, ibis, anhingas, ducks and cormorants. A variety of rare and endangered fish live in the lagoon, including the Atractosteus tropicus, snook and the carnivorous Parachromis managuensis.

The forests, glasslands and marshes that surround the wetlands also host a variety of endangered species including jaguars, cougars, tapirs, ocelots, peccary and several monkey species including the White-headed Capuchin and Mantled Howler.

Join us on our Costa Rica Wildlife Safari to visit Cano Negro and other wildlife hotspots in Costa Rica, the most environmentally friendly country in the world. The tour will be will be escorted by Wayne O’Sullivan, a Western Australian naturalist guide who has spent a great deal of time in Costa Rica’s national parks. Wayne has assisted Costa Rica’s National Bamboo Project, which aims to reduce deforestation and provide housing for the poor. He also spent four weeks on a bird watching trip in a variety of Costa Rican habitats. Wayne is eager to share his knowledge and experiences with you, and he will be accompanied by local guides. Don't miss your opportunity to join this exciting, nature-based tour - book today!

Help Endangered Woylies in Australia's South West

The Woylie is a small macropod that was once common across southern Australia. Also known as the Brush-tailed Bettong, these nocturnal critters love to eat underground fungi, including what we would consider a culinary luxury - truffles. The Woylie droppings provide surrounding plant life with access to the abundant nutrients found in truffles, helping the plants flourish and fight disease. Unwittingly, the Woylies play a vital role in keeping the bush healthy.

Woylie populations declined significantly following European settlement, and by the 1970's the Woylie population was limited to three small areas within Australia's South West region. According to an ABC news story, Woylies are now under real threat of extinction, partly due to the impact of feral cats. Scientists also suspect an as-yet undiagnosed disease as a contributing factor in decreasing numbers.

The Perup Sanctuary was established in Manjimup in 2010 to address the declining Woylie population.

Click for more information from the Department of Environment and Conservation about the decline of Woylie numbers.

Keep an eye on the news pages on fauna.org.au for volunteering opportunities to monitor the Woylies in the sanctuary as well as opportunities to assist with other wildlife preservation projects. Alternatively, those interested in offering their time to the Perup Sanctuary can contact Dr Adrian Wayne at DEC Manjimup (08) 9771 7988 or Kathy Dawson of the Warren Catchment Council on (08) 9771 8180.

Woylies are just one of the many species that live in WA's South West - the most ecologically diverse region in the world. Join us on our tour of the region to discover the remarkable plants, animals and bird life that populate this beautiful area.

Lake Eyre Basin – 2012 Status Update

The South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources have recently advised that Lake Eyre north (the main lake) is now 70% full of water. They also advised that Lake Eyre south is now full. This is great news for those who've joined our 2012 Flinders Range and Lake Eyre Basin Expedition.

The massive expanse of Lake Eyre is spectacular wet or dry, but an opportunity to see the lake holding a good amount of water is one not to be missed. If you haven't yet booked there are still places available on our 1st May 2012 tour, simply complete our booking form to reserve your place.

There will be plenty of other interesting places to see on tour as well. Some of the tour highlights are detailed below to whet your appetite for a unique outback adventure.

Coongie Lakes

Coongie Lakes National Park is a massive freshwater wetland, consisting of waterholes, channels, lakes, shallow floodplains, deltas and inter-dune swamps. A large portion of the region’s wildlife flock to Coongie Lakes when Lake Eyre is dry, including including native and migratory birds, fish and reptiles. It's a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, bushwalkers and all who appreciate Australian native wildlife.

Painted Desert

The multi-coloured hills around Mt. Arckaringa and the Arckaringa floodplain south west of Oodnadatta have been dubbed the Painted Desert. The colours are a result of erosion on the residue from an ancient inland sea, together with minerals leaching into the soil. The coloured clays of white, orange, yellow and pink create spectacular effects.

Birdsville

On the border of South Australia and Queensland, on the edge of the Simpson Desert, the small town of Birdsville was born out of the need to collect tolls from drovers moving cattle interstate. Formerly known as Diamantina Crossing, the town's new name was adopted because of the prolific bird life that's still found in the area. The historic Birdsville Hotel is great place to experience authentic Australian outback hospitality.

Montecollina Bore

Motecollina Bore on the Strezelecki Track is another great site for birdwatching. Here, hot bore water overflows into a dam, then into a wetland - a favourite spot for thousands of birds.

Wilpena Pound

The Flinders Ranges National Park boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in South Australia, and Wilpena Pound is no exception. Cradled within the park's mountains, the Wilpena Pound forms a natural amplitheatre and is a spectacular geological sight with an interesting history. The Pound is made up of sedimentary rock, which forms a large syncline.

The name Wilpena is thought to have been taken from an Aboriginal word meaning 'place of bent fingers', but the traditional owners do not have this word in their language. Their traditional name for the Pound is Ikara, meaning 'initiation place'.

The Pound is a popular area with bushwalkers of all fitness levels, as it offers walks with varying degrees of difficulty, all offering fantastic views and ample opportunities to see the area's native wildlife.

These are but a few of the highlights of our Flinders Ranges & Lake Eyre Basin wildlife tour. Book now to join our 2012 tours to the region, or register your interest in our 2013 tours to be among the first to receive the itinerary when it's finalised.