Time to Roam Magazine Issue 11 - October/November 2014 | Page 46

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on the roam my top 5
our numbats and the bulk of the country’s
remaining population of one of our rarest
kangaroo species, the nailtail wallaby.
Unsurprisingly, Atticus has become one of
Australia’s experts when it comes to feral cats.
“We’ve got the largest research program
in the country, and so we estimate that there
are around 15 million feral cats in Australia.
We know that each of those cats are killing
a minimum of around five native animals
a night. As a very conservative estimate,
that’s around 75 million native animals being
killed by feral cats on a daily basis.”
While Australia’s still can shamefully claim
to have one of the worst records for animal
extinction, Atticus says he’s proud his work
through AWC has been able turn around the tide.
“Just knowing the scale and significance
of what we’re doing, and seeing country
that’s in much better condition now than
it was when we acquired it gives me, and
everyone who is a part of the AWC team, a
tremendous sense of satisfaction.”

MY TOP FIVE

Atticus Fleming

1

Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary, WA
“Covering 275 hectares of beautiful Jarrah forest and Marri woodland, Karakamia is
surrounded by a conservation fence excluding all feral cats, foxes and rabbits. Wild
populations of threatened mammals such as the critically endangered Woylie are
thriving. Visiting Karakamia for a guided nocturnal walk is like stepping back in time.”

Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, NT
“Dramatic quartzite mountains overlook extensive
parallel sand dunes, shimmering salt lakes and
clay pans. It is a great place to experience the
diversity and sheer beauty of arid Australia.”

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Mornington Wildlife Station, Kimberley WA
“In the heart of the iconic Kimberley region, Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary contains some
of Australia’s most spectacular scenery and an incredible line up of rare and threatened
wildlife. Massive mesas and dramatic sandstone escarpments overlook vast savanna
woodlands, while tropical rivers carve deep gorges through this ancient landscape.”

Wet Tropics, North Queensland
“The region has everything, including rainforest
and towering wet eucalypt forests, an amazing
array of wildlife and a fascinating history. You
can easily combine it with a trip to the Great
Barrier Reef and embrace the sheer natural
diversity that Australia has to offer.”

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Central West, NSW
“I grew up in the central west, near Wellington. Even
allowing for some hometown bias, there is plenty to
do in the region. For example, the Wellington Caves
provide a window back to a time of now extinct
giant kangaroos and other early mega fauna.”

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