Connecting with Our Wild Neighbours: A Great Southern Guide
Living on the edge of the Southern Ocean, with the Stirling Ranges and Porongurup National Parks practically in our backyard, you develop a deep appreciation for Western Australia’s incredible wildlife. From the bounding kangaroos on our doorstep to the majestic whales offshore, these encounters are truly special. But with that privilege comes responsibility. Sharing our home with these amazing creatures means doing so safely and ethically.
Respect the Space: The Golden Rule
The most important tip is simple: **give them space**. Wild animals are not pets. They have natural behaviours that can be disrupted by human proximity. Approaching too closely can cause stress, alter their feeding or breeding habits, and even lead to aggression.
Here in the Great Southern, we often see kangaroos grazing in paddocks just off the highway. It’s tempting to stop for a photo, but remember they are wild. Maintain a significant distance, use a zoom lens, and never try to feed them. Feeding can lead to malnutrition and dependency, making them vulnerable.
Know Before You Go: Research is Key
Before heading out, do a little homework. Understand the typical behaviours of the animals you might encounter. Are they nocturnal? Are they territorial? Knowing this helps you anticipate their actions and avoid stressful situations for both you and the wildlife.
For instance, if you’re planning a walk in the national parks around Albany, you might encounter quokkas, western grey kangaroos, or even shy wallabies. Knowing that kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk can increase your chances of a sighting while minimising disruption during their resting hours.
Choose Ethical Tour Operators
When booking a guided tour, especially for marine life encounters, look for operators committed to ethical practices. Ask about their policies on animal interaction, waste management, and their commitment to conservation.
Albany is a prime spot for whale watching during the migration season. Reputable operators will maintain safe distances, limit their time in the vicinity of the whales, and avoid any behaviour that could alter the whales’ course or behaviour. They are trained to read the animals’ signals and ensure minimal impact.
Never Feed the Wildlife
This cannot be stressed enough. Feeding wild animals, no matter how tempting, is harmful. It can lead to:
- Nutritional Imbalances: Human food is not suitable for their digestive systems.
- Increased Aggression: Animals can become accustomed to handouts and may become aggressive when food is not provided.
- Disease Transmission: Close contact can spread diseases between humans and animals.
- Dependency: They lose their natural foraging skills.
It’s a common sight to see people with bread for ducks at local parks, but this is detrimental to their health. Stick to observing and photographing from a safe distance.
Observe from a Distance: Binoculars and Zoom Lenses are Your Friends
Invest in good binoculars or a camera with a decent zoom lens. This allows you to get close-up views without disturbing the animals. It’s a far more rewarding experience to watch them behave naturally in their environment.
When you’re out exploring the coastline near Denmark or Albany, you might spot seals or sea lions on the rocks. While they might seem hardy, they are sensitive to disturbance. Using binoculars allows you to appreciate their antics without causing them to flee or become stressed.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When you’re in their habitat, you are the visitor. Be mindful of where you step, especially in sensitive areas like nesting grounds or burrows. Avoid playing loud music or making sudden noises that could startle animals.
If you’re walking through the bushland and hear rustling, stop and listen. You might be near a shy echidna or a nesting bird. Patience and quiet observation often lead to the most rewarding sightings.
Leave No Trace: Protect Their Habitat
Always pack out everything you pack in. Litter can be ingested by animals or entangle them, causing serious harm. Ensure you are disposing of waste responsibly.
This extends to respecting designated paths. Venturing off-trail can damage fragile ecosystems and disturb animals, especially during breeding seasons. Our national parks are precious, and we must tread lightly.
Understanding Animal Behaviour: Signs of Stress
Learn to recognise signs that an animal is stressed or uncomfortable. This can include:
- Hissing or growling
- Flicking tails rapidly
- Flattened ears or dilated pupils
- Attempting to flee
If you observe any of these behaviours, back away slowly and quietly. You are too close.
For example, if you encounter a snake, which are common in our warmer months, the best course of action is to stop, give it a wide berth, and allow it to move away. Do not try to provoke it or get a selfie.
The Joys of Birdwatching
Western Australia boasts an incredible array of birdlife. From the colourful parrots in our forests to the seabirds along our coast, birdwatching is a fantastic, low-impact way to connect with nature.
Spend some time in the wetlands around the Kalgan River or the coastal areas near Middleton Beach. With a good field guide and a keen eye, you can identify dozens of species. Remember to be quiet and move slowly to avoid disturbing their roosting and feeding spots.
Responsible Photography
While capturing beautiful images is a wonderful part of wildlife encounters, it should never come at the expense of the animal’s well-being. Avoid using flash photography, especially with nocturnal animals, as it can disorient them.
If you’re photographing a bird’s nest, do so from a considerable distance. The parents might abandon the nest if they feel threatened by your presence. Patience and a good zoom lens are paramount.
Safety First: For You and the Wildlife
Some of our native animals can be dangerous if provoked or approached. Always be aware of your surroundings and understand the potential risks. This includes respecting signs and warnings posted in national parks.
When exploring areas known for venomous snakes or spiders, wear appropriate footwear and be mindful of where you place your hands and feet. It’s about being prepared and respectful of the environment you’re in.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
By choosing responsible tourism and advocating for ethical practices, you contribute to the conservation of our precious wildlife. Many local organisations are dedicated to protecting these species and their habitats. Consider supporting their work through donations or volunteering.
This is especially important for species that are endemic to Western Australia, like the quokka, which, while more commonly found on Rottnest Island, can still be spotted in more secluded areas if you know where to look and how to behave. Protecting their habitat is crucial for their survival.