Save Our Australian Raptors

You can help Australia's raptors and other wildlife by writing to politicians and asking them to save natural habitats. Speak up for wildlife!

The people that work in the government are called politicians. Politicians have the power to change laws and to make new laws that will protect the habitats that our wildlife needs for survival.

A politician's job is to consider your views about things, so writing to politicians is a great way to let them know how important the natural environment is to you.

You might like to send a photo or a drawing of your favourite bird or wild place and write about why people must care wildlife and the environment.

You can find the up-to-date contact information for politicians at Australia's Senators - Parliament of Australia

There's only one letter difference in the spelling of PET and PEST, but it makes a world of difference for native wildlife.

Cats and dogs make great pets but they can also be pests to wildlife.

It's important to know about the dangers that cats and dogs can create for our native species and how you can make sure your pet remains a domestic pet instead of becoming a pest.

Remember that even a well-fed pet cat or dog may still hunt for extra food or just for the fun of it. It is part of a cat or dog's instinct (natural behaviour) to hunt. All cats and dogs are predators and if they are not controlled they can also be pests.

If cats and dogs are abandoned they will become stray or feral and hunt for food in the surrounding environment where native animals live. If you no longer want your pet or your pet has babies that you can't keep, do not abandon them. It is kinder to your pet and to native wildlife if you contact the RSPCA or an animal refuge.

All cats and dogs, domestic, stray and feral, can be a danger to native animals.

Domestic

Domestic pets live with people and depend on them for food and shelter although they may still hunt.

Stray

Stray cats and dogs have no owner. They usually live in towns and scavenge for food. If they are not caught and taken to a cat or dog refuge or 'home' they may turn to the natural environment for survival and become truly feral.

Feral

Feral cats and dogs are wild. They live, breed and hunt like wild animals and have a devastating effect on native wildlife.

Things you can do.

• Take good care of your pets. Make sure they have food, water, shelter and exercise. Some pets appreciate having their own toys.
• Get your pets de-sexed so they will not be able to have babies.
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• Keep your pets in at night so they can't hunt nocturnal wildlife.
• Walk your dog away from wildlife areas and keep it on a leash. Remember that a lot of birds nest on the ground and in low bushes and dogs eat and break eggs.

Make some rescue kits to store in your home and in the family cars.

Unfortunately many native animals are killed on our roads. Raptors are often victims because they sometimes feed on roadkill, on or very near the edge of the road, placing them in danger of being hit by a car.

You shouldn't try to rescue a bird or any other animal by yourself. Get help from an adult. Make sure you have contact numbers for refuges and vets in your mobile phone so you can phone for advice.

You never know when you might come across an injured bird or other animal and you will be a great help to the rescuer and the injured animal if you are prepared. To make a basic rescue kit, you will need a small to medium sized cardboard box with a lid, a couple of old towels or other thick cloth and enough cord to tie around the box to keep the lid on.

Make some small air holes in the box and write the phone numbers of your local wildlife refuge centre and vet on the lid or side of the box so you can quickly call for help and advice in an emergency. Some boxes are designed to fold flat and take up less space.The idea is to keep the bird/animal warm, quiet and dark and get medical help for it as soon as possible.

Specific rescue and care information to download can be found here

Conservation groups grow homes for wildlife.

Conservation and landcare groups do all sorts of things to help create new habitats and preserve existing habitats for native wildlife. You can volunteer to help protect and restore native vegetation and grow homes for animals and birds.

Your local council will be able to tell you about conservation groups in your area.

Raptors refuges rehabilitate sick, orphaned and injured raptors.

Raptor refuges work hard to rehabilitate sick, orphaned and injured raptors and release them back into the wild.

The aviaries at raptor refuges have to be very large to provide enough space for eagles to exercise and regain their flying skills that they will need to survive when they are released back into the wild.

Refuges need volunteers of all ages.

You can also support refuges anywhere by becoming a member and paying a small annual membership fee. Wildlife refuges have huge expenses and rely heavily on donations and membership fees for their survival.

Encourage your friends and family to become members too!