Emus on the North Coase NSW

["Shirley Cook" <>]

Dear all,

There is an isolated population of Emus on the coast between Yamba and Red 
Rock (NSW North Coast).  The population is estimated at about 120 birds with 
their range contracting considerably over the last 12 years.  Gina Hart, a 
NPWS Ranger raised awareness about their plight with BVBW and the ball is 
rolling.  Their greatest challenge is persuading the NSW Government to 
re-route the proposed Grafton by-pass.  Current plans will not only cut 
through Emu foraging habitat but also destroy many other fragile flora and 
fauna communities.


Feathers/tissue samples have been collected from birds on the coast over the 
years with the aim of comparing genetics with their western counterparts. 
Researchers at Macquarie University now want samples from out west in order 
to undertake some comparisons


This is a call for feather samples from Emus west of the Great Dividing 
Range.  Feathers can be collected off a fence or a carcass.  A bunch of 4-5 
feathers with base of feather intact is preferred - any tissue attached to 
the base of a feather/s would be great, but avoid touching the base.  Put 
the feather/s in a paper envelope together with the record of the locality, 
grid reference, date, and name of person/s collecting.  Send samples to Gina 
Hart, NPWS Ranger, PO Box 361, Grafton NSW 2360 and Gina will forward them 
to Macquarie University.


Regards

Shirley Cook

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