Tasmania is home to some extraordinary animals, and two upcoming workshops are giving those who care for our amazing echidnas and microbats access to some extraordinary expertise.
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The Tasmanian Wildlife Rehabilitation Council’s (TWRC) Caring for Curious Creatures workshops will be held across the weekend of March 2 and 3 and according to TWRC president Oma Rodger, are designed to connect wildlife carers and others interested in the husbandry of these animals with two experts in their fields.
“Monotremes, the group to which the echidna belongs, are like no other species on the planet,” she said.
“They have some very unique anatomy and physiology and so have very specific needs when it comes to their care and rehabilitation.
“Dr Peggy Rismiller is a world-renowned expert on these wonderful animals and we’re incredibly lucky she has been able to come to Tasmania for this workshop, allowing us to benefit from her decades of experience.”
The workshop will cover everything from rescuing, housing and sexing your echidna to recent discoveries about the Tasmanian branch of the family.
In addition, Oma said very few people in Tasmania were qualified to care for the state’s eight native species of microbats and their rehabilitation often proved tricky due to a need for an aviary which allowed them to build up their flying strength prior to release.
“Workshop presenter Rachel Lyons has been working with bats for around 15 years and has developed a comprehensive training program and manual to assist in their care and rehabilitation.”
Rachel’s course will include a range of topics such as identification, anatomy and physiology and initial trauma care.
The workshops are open to all carers although they are specifically designed for intermediate and experienced carers, as well as those who deal with native wildlife on a regular basis like vets, vet nurses and rescuers.
The workshops will be held at Montagu Primary School in Hobart with a cost of $30 for one day or $50 for both and bookings can be made by emailing the TWRC on twrc@taswildlife.org.
For more visit the TWRC website or their Facebook page.