New ecological research facility to take remote conservation to new level

New ecological research facility to take remote conservation to new level

By Liam Taylor  January 7th, 2019

A construction worth over $1.1 million has become Bush Heritage Australia's first purpose-built ecological research facility.

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A construction worth over $1.1 million has become Bush Heritage Australia’s first purpose-built ecological research facility.

The Michael Tichbon Field Station was officially launched early last month and will allow scientists, activists and environmental workers to monitor the highly diverse and threatened species in the West Australian wilderness.

The sustainable facility was designed by local female-led architects and builders. Completely powered by the sun, the station features a huge solar array and battery storage system as well as a large rainwater tank and composting toilets.

The station is located on Red Moort Reserve in the centre of a world-class terrestrial biodiversity hotspot in the Monjebup Cluster. The area is home to species such as the Western Pygmy Possum, the Crested Bellbird and the Tammar Wallaby, among many more.

The station is named after long-term conservation champion Michael Tichbon, who spent decades campaigning for better environmental outcomes in South-West WA with his late brother Neville. Michael has donated nearly $1 million to Bush Heritage over the last 10 years.

South-West WA has suffered from an expanding population of feral predators, especially foxes and cats. It’s estimated feral cats kill an average of five native animals every night.

As a result, the numbers of native species have fallen dramatically. The woylie has suffered a 90 per cent decline in population over the last 15 years while numbat numbers have fallen below one thousand.

 

Positive Action

  • Support Bush Heritage Australia in their attempts to protect our unique landscapes and magnificent native species.
  • Lock in the dates for National Tree Day 2019! Schools Tree Day will be held on July 26th, 2019 and National Tree Day on July 28th, 2019.

 

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Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.

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By Liam Taylor

Prior to joining Planet Ark Liam spent his time studying global environmental issues, travelling Southeast Asia on the cheap and working for a sustainable property management company in Bali, Indonesia. Joining the communications team at Planet Ark, he hopes to inspire positive environmental behaviour through effective and positive messaging.

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