The Long-nosed Bandicoot is back in Lower and Mid Mountains neighbourhoods, and many residents are rejoicing at having neighbourly visits from these furry friends. By being bandicoot aware and making our surroundings even more bandicoot friendly, we can ensure both marsupial and human neighbours enjoy their time together and cohabit in a way that is happy, safe, and secure.
As we roll towards summer many neighbourhoods in Winmalee, Springwood, Sun Valley and Valley Heights are noticing disturbances in their gardens.
Key Points:
After bushfires, heatwaves, drought and floods, bandicoots are bouncing back in the Blue Mountains
Bandicoots aren’t just cute, they bring benefits to your garden too
There are simple things you can do to encourage these visitors, and to cohabit well together
Mysterious visitors leaving small holes in garden beds or glimpses of shadowy shapes galloping across the lawn. Never fear, these telltale signs are a great indication that our native bandicoot populations, so badly decimated by recent and historical fire and disaster events, are bouncing back.
Many in the area are delighted that these furry creatures are choosing to come and pay them a call, catching nocturnal video footage of the marsupials as they scurry across driveways and hunt for worms and insects.
“We’ve got bandicoots in our yard in Winmalee, as do most of our neighbours. We’ve also had brush turkeys, and this morning a quail! I’ve lived on this main road block for over 20 years and have had a quoll in my yard, but never seen anywhere near this many new species.” – Bec Southwell, Winmalee
Bandicoots used to be plentiful across our nation with over 21 distinct species identified, although according to Bush Heritage Australia almost half of those species are now extinct, with many others endangered or threatened. Thankfully the long-nosed bandicoot, which is most common in our area, is not on the endangered list as a species.
However, they can find themselves greatly reduced in areas where there is a significant loss of habitat or introduced predators, so keeping our local inhabitants healthy and happy is critically important for the good of the species as a whole.
In the past month multiple sightings of the animal and their digs or ‘snout pokes’ have indicated a rise in the bandicoot population of the Lower and Mid Mountains. Across the Lower Mountains the response to the increase of bandicoot numbers has been fairly positive, with most people welcoming them into their property. Some homeowners are a little worried that the bandicoots may get into prized flower beds or disturb veggie gardens, and there is concern that bandicoots can bring bush ticks into suburban areas.
Native animals like possums, bandicoots and wallabies have a high tolerance for tick venom and as a result they can carry ticks long distances and into household yards. However, by ensuring that you do not handle the bandicoot, keep your household pet tick treatments up to date, and examine dogs and cats regularly for any parasites, you can effectively manage any potential tick problem.
It’s also important to remember that sharing our spaces with these native marsupials isn’t just great for them, it can also provide real benefits for us human residents too.
Benefits of bandicoots
Bandicoots are small native marsupials who dine mostly on insects and larvae – particularly cockroaches, spiders (including the dreaded funnel web), and Christmas Beetle larvae. The latter is a great benefit to gardeners as these beetles eat away grass roots and can leave your lawn patchy and damaged.
Bandicoots also help aerate the soil through their digging, which can also help keep your garden in shape. They are like little gardeners you don’t have to pay!
Added to this they’re great at dispersing fungi spores throughout the greater ecosystem, which is critical for healthy forests and bushlands.
A playful family of bandicoots visit a Winmalee backyard. Video footage courtesy Leila Wright
How to encourage and support bandicoot visitors
Bandicoots are solitary foragers and are quite territorial. Once they have staked out their patch they will stick to it.
Male bandicoots have a territory of up to 7 hectares, while the females tend to stay in much smaller areas, so if you do see one you can be sure that this little marsupial is as much an established inhabitant as any of your human neighbours.
Due to this territorial nature it is important not to try to relocate or remove a bandicootwho has made your home part of its territory. Even if you are successful and the bandicoot doesn’t just return on its own, another bandicoot will simply take the opportunity to move right in and you’re back where you started.
Meanwhile the relocated bandicoot will find it tough to find available territory in which to set up their new home, forcing it to either fight existing bandicoot residents for inhabited territory, or travel further afield to look for a suitable vacant location.
This journeying and fighting leaves the wandering marsupial vulnerable to predators like dogs and foxes, and makes it more likely they may be hit by cars, particularly on the busy Great Western Highway.
“Almost every night mum and baby or dad pass through our garden to check out any leftovers from our chook’s food and if they are lucky, they get some fat slugs … “ – Gregory Martin, Winmalee
While bandicoots may not seem to need much encouragement to visit our gardens, there are things you can do to not only entice them in, but also make sure they are safe and comfortable throughout their visit:
Keep pets inside during the night so they do not predate on or disturb the nocturnal bandicoots
Remove strong light sources such as flood lights from areas you are happy to have the bandicoots roam as they will avoid harshly lit areas
Refrain from using pesticides and open-sourced rat poisons such as scatter baits, as these can kill not just unwanted vermin, but also our marsupials and native rodents, who are a valuable part of our ecosystem.
Avoid strong ammonia-based fertilisers such as Dynamic lifter or chicken poo as bandicoots will often avoid these smells
Drive slowly in suburban areas, particularly those with low street lighting as bandicoots and other nocturnal native animals are often running between house and gardens looking for food, particularly males who can have a wide territory to cover.
If you do encounter an injured bandicoot on your property or as you are moving though the suburb, contact WIRES on 13 000 WIRES (1300 094 737) to arrange for a qualified rescuer to assist. Follow any instructions given to you by WIRES regarding the wellbeing of the animal before help arrives.
An adult bandicoot rescued by WIRES after a cat attack in lower mountains. Photo courtesy Tracy Burgess
Creating bandicoot friendly gardens
Whether you are someone who wants to encourage your local bandicoots to visit, or want to minimise the impact of the ones who have already decided to start paying you a call, one of the best ways to create a successful co-habitation is by designating part of your garden as a special native space where bandicoots and our other beautiful fauna can find what they need to survive and thrive, without them overly impacting your garden areas.
Giving the bandicoots their own area in your property is easier than it seems, even if you don’t have a traditional bush block.
“We’re truly blessed to be a part of this natural habitat for local wildlife!” – Frances Siddarous, Sun Valley
Bandicoots and native wildlife will be attracted to areas which cater to them, so choose a sheltered and interesting space in your garden to set up as your native space. The Department of Planning and Environment suggests that a space can be made enticing for local wildlife through simple acts such as offering water in shallow drinking vessels, particularly in hotter months for bandicoots and other wildlife to use, as well as planting native flora.
Supply some open grassy areas in the space for bandicoots to happily dig out worms and larvae. Planting native tubers and fungi will ensure bandicoots will accept your generous offer to visit. Removing these delectable treats from other parts of your garden will also quickly educate the bandicoots as to where they are most welcome.
Bandicoot in the blossoms – A long nose bandicoot enjoys sniffing out her favourite food in a native garden bed. Photo courtesy of Bethany Storm, Winmalee resident
Setting up the area as sheltered from harsh light sources as possible will also encourage the animals to remain there, rather than explore the rest of your garden as bandicoots, being mainly nocturnal, dislike harsh lighting and will avoid areas that are flood lit or have too much illumination.
And lastly, try to screen off the area from general use, and from household pets, to ensure your marsupial visitors are not threatened or harmed while you enjoy the rest of your garden.
“We have portioned a section of our garden to attract wildlife … I love supporting Aussie natives.” – Leila Wright, Winmalee
The benefit of having a designated area means that you and the bandicoots can co-exist happily, safely and comfortably as you keep the bandicoots away from areas in your garden which may have been treated with pesticides, strong fertilisers or other hazards to their health.
Using strong wire mesh around plants, garden beds or pet areas you want to keep free from bandicoot exploration will also help ensure the bandicoots only roam where you are happy to have them, and everyone can share the benefits of having these curious critters frolicking in our local neighbourhoods.
Take Action:
Keep pets inside at night and avoid using pesticides and rat poison outdoors
Don’t try to relocate unwanted bandicoot visitors – it will return or another will just take its place
You can create a native-friendly space in your garden to encourage them to go there instead of your flower beds
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If you’d like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Are you ready for the next bushfire, heatwave or flood? Why not take steps to prepare at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Award-winning Hempcrete designer Kirstie Wulf from @shelter.building.design will share 10 steps to build or renovate for sustainability and resilience; engineer Mark Liebman will share how you can build a green roof to reduce stormwater runoff and cool your building; Dr Agnieszka Wujeska-Klause will share research results on the most appropriate actions to lower heat in summer and help you use a thermal imaging camera to identify which surfaces retain the most heat; Frank Inzitari will introduce you to the @firehalo.au which can help reduce ember attack; and a team from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will work with you to use the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit to design your own personal bushfire plan. We`ll also be launching Firecoat`s new Bushfire Home Protection Kit. Learn more and register to attend here: https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many extraordinary volunteers keeping us and wildlife safe all year round! Come along and meet them at the Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 22nd Nov. Learn what you can do to be ready for emergencies, and how you can volunteer or help in some other way. Together we can be more prepared and reduce the risk of disaster. There`ll be a free sausage sizzle so help give us an idea of numbers by registering here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Thank you Blue Mountains community for the generous donation of 11 sewing machines which we`ll be using for our free sewing workshop with Boomerang Bags at the Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 November at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. It`s an opportunity for the whole family to make free Christmas presents that `don`t cost the earth`! Register here if you`d like to attend (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J (and you`ll get a free fire retardant plant from Santa while you`re there!)
Did you know that Australia has the world`s highest incidence of asbestos-related diseases per capita in the world, killing more than 4,000 Australians every year - three times more than the annual road toll; and that asbestos-related deaths are predicted to rise! Asbestos isn’t just in fibro homes and sheds - it was used in the manufacture of more than 3000 asbestos containing products with many of these products remaining in any brick, fibro, weatherboard, clad home or apartment built or renovated before 1990. Asbestos was used everywhere in homes - lurking under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, home extensions, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even in dog kennels. Exposure to asbestos fibres during home renovations has been linked to 51% of mesothelioma deaths. There is no cure for mesothelioma. The average survival time following diagnosis is just 10-12 months. Homeowners, renovators and tradies are most at risk of exposure if they disturb asbestos containing materials. On Saturday 22 November, “Betty – The Asbestos Education House” will be a prominent feature of the Blue Mountains City Council’s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo to help educate local homeowners and tradies about the dangers of asbestos that remains lurking in 1-in-3 Aussie homes including many throughout the Blue Mountains region as part of National Asbestos Awareness Month (November). There will also be workshops and stalls on asbestos and a range of other hazardous materials and how you can manage them to protect youreself, your family and your community. Find out more and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Emily from @handsheartfeet will be leading a free drumming workshop at the Planetary Health Centre Expo and Family Day in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. It`s suitable for all ages and so much fun! Places are limited so reserve your spot here: https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J (link in profile)
Gabiann has worked as in-house writer/editor for Amnesty International, Greenpeace and Médecins Sans Frontières across Australia, Africa and the Asia Pacific. She is an award winning novelist and children’s book author, having won or been shortlisted for several Australian and international writing prizes. She was one of the key designers and the writer of the award-winning multimedia interactive narrative, Kids Together Now, which focuses on helping children deal with issues around bullying and racism.
In addition to her role as storyteller for the Planetary Health Initiative, she tutors in narrative and writing at Macquarie University and works as a writer, story developer and script producer.
The concept of planetary health is rapidly gaining attention globally, as the world increasingly confronts the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and public health crises. But what does the term 'planetary health' really mean, and why does it matter?
Enjoying this site? Please help spread the word :)
Support the Future of Solutions-Focused Neighbourhood News
