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PAWS
Newsletter for Parks and Wildlife Supporters
Issue 14 Autumn 2007
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    Tomaree National Park  
     
   

Photo Jeff Wong
View from Tomaree headland

Tomaree is a park of stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Located on the border between the Hunter and mid north coast of NSW, this park offers pristine beaches to surf or snorkel, lush coastal rainforest and peaks with breathtaking views over ocean and lagoons.

A great diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats make this park a haven for wildlife, and many threatened species find refuge here.

For many years the Foundation for National Parks has worked with tourism operators, parks rangers and local volunteer groups to preserve this slice of paradise for both people and wildlife.

   
   

Ospreys, the threatened fishing hawks of Australia’s east coast, have long been watched over by Foundation funded surveys. Osprey pairs return to the same nest every summer, which is when scientists go out in the field to record nesting activity. One pair of Ospreys has chosen Tea Gardens north of Port Stephens to build a nest. The area is ideal for the species with plenty of fish in the sea to catch and raise their young.

   
   

Port Stephens’ Bottle-nose Dolphins are the other main tourist attraction of Tomaree National Park. Local tour operators have long raised concern for the long-term wellbeing of the population and have set up the DREAM (Dolphin Research Education And Management) fund to ensure that our interest does not overwhelm the animals. The research findings are being used to draft a dolphin management plan, and educational materials help boat operators understand the needs of the dolphins.

   
   
 

Tomaree National Park is home to some of the last healthy koala populations in NSW and attract thousands of nature lovers every year who are keen to see koalas in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, these koala populations are struggling with cars, dogs and fires, and their long-term survival lies in our hands.

The Foundation has funded scientists to investigate the impact of bush-fires on the koalas and the importance of volunteer carers to nurse and release injured koalas after fire. Local carers also received support. The findings of the bush-fire report helped develop a koala management plan. Its warning to us is that, while koalas can still cope with fires, their long-term survival depends on us preserving their habitats, responsible pet ownership and taking care on the road.

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