This World Wetlands Day, RSPCA Victoria is encouraging animal lovers to visit their local wetlands to discover the ducks and other native birdlife living in some of Victoria's greatest natural treasures.
World Wetlands Day is an initiative that promotes the awareness and protection of significant wetlands that are vital bird breeding and feeding sites.
RSPCA Victoria is joining the cause in encouraging Victorians to explore wetlands through their collaboration with BirdLife Australia called Discover Ducks, an education campaign designed to build an affection and appreciation for the native ducks that call Victoria home.
"Victoria's wetlands are untapped treasures, full of unique wildlife just waiting to be discovered and explored. With waterbird abundance and breeding at an all-time low, there's never been a more important time for Victorians to embrace their local wetlands and understand what makes these places so special," said Ms Mhairi Roberts, Policy and Advocacy Manager at RSPCA Victoria.
"Victoria is home to some very special wetlands. The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for conserving the biological diversity of the world's wetlands. Victoria is home to 12 Ramsar-listed wetlands, which support 499 of our threatened native species, including ducks."
"Our wetlands are a particularly good place for people to observe our native duck-life, which often goes unappreciated. Ducks are interesting and unique creatures and we encourage people to really take the time to get to know them. You might be surprised by what you learn!"
Duck facts - All Australian ducks are unique, here are some of their quirkiest facts!
• Australian Wood Duck - Monogamous, family oriented and nests in trees
• Australian Shelduck - Congregate in flocks up to a thousand and lose their ability to fly for 20 days annually
• Blue-billed Duck - Rarely walk on land and breeding males have a sky-blue bill
• Pink-eared Duck - Also known as the 'Zebra Duck' or 'Clown Duck' for their unique appearance
• Pacific Black Duck - Oil produced by a gland at the base of their tail makes them waterproof
"RSPCA Victoria and BirdLife Australia created Discover Ducks to educate Victorians about ducks and all their quirky habits. It has an amazing guide to ducks-spotting that is perfect for families who may want to take a day trip to a wetland with the kids, or even a short trip to the local creek which is always full of ducks."
World Wetlands Day is a reminder that it is our responsibility to maintain the health of these environments and the animals that live there. Some good tips to remember are:
• Reduce use of household chemicals such as fertilisers and insecticides - these chemicals pollute our waterways.
• Avoid single-use plastics such as coffee cups and straws.
• Never leave your rubbish behind.
• Always pick up your dog's poo - it contributes to the pollution of waterways.
Don't throw your garden waste in the bush - this waste can become rampant in the natural environment, ruin habitat and create havens for foxes.
• Don't throw water or plants from your fish tank into a waterway. They can spread and compete with native vegetation, reducing suitable habitat and food sources for native animals like ducks.
• Minimise your household water use - the more we leave in our rivers, the more chance our wetlands have of filling up and providing ducks with a home.
To get involved in World Wetlands Day, post a photo of a duck or wetland on your social media and hashtag #DiscoverDucks and #WorldWetlandsDay. You can find more at: www.discoverducks.org.au
Video footage for World Wetlands Day
Interview footage with RSPCA Victoria and Birdlife Australia representatives here: https://bit.ly/2Yvuf6P
Overlay footage of native ducks here: https://bit.ly/36ua4KM
