Canberrans and visitors have a unique opportunity to explore Mulligans Flat at night with new evening tours that will be launched by Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury this evening. The tours will take place on the first Friday of every month, starting half an hour before sunset.
“The tours are a great opportunity to learn about the research projects taking place at Mulligans Flat which are seeing the reintroduction of previously extinct species,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Mulligans Flat Sanctuary was established in 2009 as a predator-proof sanctuary with fencing around its perimeter. Since then a team of people including the Friends of Mulligans Flat, researchers from the ANU and CSIRO and ACT Government rangers and ecologists have been working hard to preserve and restore the endangered woodlands and reintroduce the animals that once inhabited our woodlands.
“These 2.5 hour evening tours give participants a unique opportunity to see the beautiful woodland and native animals as they were in the past.
“Mulligans Flat really comes alive at night, with nocturnal bettongs, curlews and sugar gliders out feeding and frolicking, as well as kangaroos and wallabies.
“A night tour at Mulligans Flat is the only place in Australia to experience both bettongs and curlews in their natural habitat.
“While on tour, participants will also hear about the science behind the restoration and reintroduction of long lost species including the Eastern Bettongs, New Holland Mouse and Bush Stone-curlew that were once widespread throughout the woodlands of the ACT.
“Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is a unique example of yellow box-red gum woodland, which is under significant threat elsewhere.
“I encourage Canberrans to take up this opportunity to discover our local endangered woodlands and book a twilight tour at Mulligans,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.
Tours are run by the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust in partnership with the Friends of Mulligans Flat. Bookings are essential. For more information on Twilight Tours at Mulligans Flat visit bettongs.org