Graham,
"I also know that repeated spotlighting at one location often shows a
pattern
of decreasing numbers." This has not been my experience.
At my site where I have been operating nocturnal tours for 5.5 years, the
sightings of Coppery Brushtail Possums has remained constant, Green Ringtail
sightings have steadily increased while Lumholtz's Tree-roo sightings first
went up but are now lower. The cyclone and loss of habitat is one likely
reason for the decline as those females with very small territories have
moved. there has also been social disruption. The new dominant male in the
main part of the walk is not so habituated. One of my long term reliable
females has been replaced by another female who while tolerant of the
spotlight does not spend as much time feeding in visible areas.
At Mt Hypipamee sighting numbers have also varied little except for coppery
Brushtails. In the 80's there was a couple who would go there on a nightly
basis to feed the possums. the numbers increased beyond the natural carrying
capacity of the area. Once they were stopped from doing this and the bins
were fitted with possum proof lids things changed. The population did not
return to normal but crashed to the extent that seeing brushtails was almost
a non event. The population has now reached what I would call normal levels.
Regarding spotlights causing damage of even a temporary nature to eyes I
would be most surprised. I have watched animals closely. they have very
responsive pupils and can carry on normally, if not feeling threatened, with
a spotlight in their faces and then when it is removed. I am not suggesting
that care should not be taken to safeguard the welfare of the animals.
However I have had to disadvantage very few guests to care for the octurnal
mammals I show them.
Regards,
Alan Gillanders
Alan's Wildlife Tours
2 Mather Road
Yungaburra 4884
www.alanswildlifetours.com.au
Phone 07 4095 3784
Int. + 61 7 4095 3784
Mobile 0408 953 786
Alan's blog http://alanswildlife.blogspot.com/
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