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| Jenny (left) and Kitty |
I have just completed my first week as a volunteer at the
Conservation Centre. Like Kitty, I am taking a gap year to expand my knowledge
and experience of environmental issues and conservation. As the centre is
surrounded by important wetland habitat, there are many long standing research
projects monitoring the ecosystem here. This week I have assisted in monitoring
terrapin populations, bird diversity and also water quality. I really enjoy the
terrapin monitoring as we set out traps daily across the wetland and it’s
always exciting when you check them and find more than just mud and leaves but
also terrapins! I have learnt that the terrapins plastron pattern acts like our
fingerprints, each one is unique and we are able to identify them from this and
build up an understanding of the population here at the Banyan Tree. I think
they are lucky to stay in such a protected and well maintained habitat, and on
a 5 star resort!
The centre also rehabilitates other endemic species.
Currently there are 6 giant tortoises in the back paddock, munching on leftover
cabbages from the vegetable patch. They are huge, wrinkly and friendly, and
relatively young at 40 years old as these tortoises can live to be over 200!
After being kept as pets for a long time, it is hoped that once fully
rehabilitated, they can be released back into the wild to live out their long
lives. I really enjoy taking care of them here, they truly are gentle giants.
After a great first week, I am looking forward to what may
be in store in the upcoming weeks here at the Centre.
