So Tiny, so precious,so beautiful….the Pygmy Possums

At Natsync.com.au we are excited about introducing a new product in our range of animal habitats.   This is not a nest box but a nest tube for the Pygmy Possums. Typical of our high standards it has a life expectancy of 45 years. It consists of two PVC tubes, one sliding into the other. The outer tube is coated with a special render that makes the it blend in beautifully with the bushes. Stainless steel components are used throughout ensuring many years of life. It also has special anti-cat barrier built into its design. This means the naughty feral pussy cats cannot put their paws through and grab the possums.

These possums is so small they weigh about 8-19 grams. It’s smaller than a house mouse. A appealingly attractive marsupial, you would never know it’s there until a possum tube is opened and there they are cuddled up on a bed of Eucalyptus leaves. Unlike other animals if they are in the neighbourhood they will find their new home quite quickly and take up residence.

They can be installed at chest height. No need to put them really high up into the trees.

We can ship them anywhere in Australia.

Special Introductory Price $85.00 only (GST inclusive)

Postage extra.

Yes, We run Night Stalks….

Have you tried our hugely successful Night Stalks???? Do you have a favourite reserve to explore by night?? Then give us a call and standby for a great time hunting our magnificent nocturnal creatures.Depending on the night sometimes we can see owls, bats, possums, just to name a few. Armed with torches the young(and not so young) look for the eyeshine of their local animals.  Some eyes are emerald green, others burnt orange. Then some sparkle like a diamond. Learn how these creatures stalk their prey and capture, then consume with great cunning. You might get that eerie feeling, with hair standing on end, of something  watching ,waiting. Don’t be the last person in the group…..the animals pick them off first(Just kidding!!). Lots of excitement. Great family activity.

Feel like a challenge…….We’re waiting..

Using GPS games to teach Science & Technology

We all know that young children today love the Ipod touch- type technology. Well, this activity combines high tech learning, getting exercise in a bush environment, and having fun all at the same time. Hidden in the bush are Australian animals which the children have to find using a electronic device called a GPS. This is a hand-held navigation unit using the same technology that exists in aeroplanes, ships and even cars. It becomes a fantastic treasure hunt. They learn useful skills such as Direction finding and Distance measurement. Teams are formed and they also learn how to work together. At each animal location is also a small cylindrical tube which houses a hand stamp. This has two parts. One a standard animal outline and the  other a roller type which leaves a set of tracks belonging to that creature. This is their reward.  A traditional compass is also carried and used throughout the hunt.

This activity can cater from Year 4 to Year 9 students. Many schools have enough bush grounds to carry out such a great activity.

Bibra Lake micro bats

Exciting news…..The bats have found the boxes. A community bat box building workshop which happened at Bibra Lake in October 2008 has been successful. This is simply fabulous news. Normally micro bats can take up to three years to find new homes but at Bibra Lake it has only taken less than two months. A recent inspection(Friday 9th January 2009) revealed two micro bats hanging off the rear wall of box number 8. Janene was the culprit who built this box and written on it was “Good luck little buddies”. Well, She gave it the midus touch because this is the first that the bats have found. This box is installed in about the middle of a cluster of thirteen. Attached to young trees which are only about 30 years old, the boxes are installed at about 6 metres high, they face approximately due North to maximise thermal exposure. The bats require tremendous heat to create nurseries.

These micro bats can be observed from the ground by shining a torch up into the entrance. This will only light up the rear wall but it will give you some idea whether the bats are there or not. If you decide to do this please only keep the light on the bats for a short period. They can be disturbed too easily.

17th April 2009.

A infra red video camera was set up beneath number 8 box to check how many bats were exiting. Good news , seven bats flew out in the space of about 12 minutes. Interesting enough some dived out of the box and didn’t switch on their echo location until well after they left the immediate area.

7th March 2010.

The bats are taking up the boxes on a regular basis now. Two boxes had 28 bats in them. It took them a year but they found one of the sand-filled bat tubes.  Another has been added just recently.At least six were in there making themselves comfortable. They also have started using the “Coffee stop” boxes. These are only short stay homes to roost in. Just like humans like to socialise and have a coffee somewhere that’s what the bats like. Not to have coffee of course…..

While filming at night for more Youtube videos, a night predator flew up and landed close to one of the boxes. This was a Tawny Frogmouth. He tries to catch the bats. This is an important reason why bats always like to switch their roosts. Keeps the predators confused.

Bat box location