We set-off soon after sunrise from a small pebbled beach amongst the mangroves of the Starcke Estuary. Birds of prey were our fleeting companions through much of the morning. A curious Brahminy kite kept a close watch, circling and looping gracefully above the unusual spectacle of nine bicycles making their way from the water's edge into the sand dunes. Sea eagles waited patiently in hope we may leave fishing or camping remains, from which they might scavenge a meal. Today, however, they were unlucky, as the camp was tidied thoroughly, and we left them to hunt for themselves as we struck further inland. On the exposed faces of the dunes, the conditions are too harsh to support vegetation, and in these places the sand is not held firm by plant root systems, and is soft and deep, making for difficult and slow cycling - and several crashes.
More than thirty kilometers later, the scenery had changed dramatically, and near an abandoned homestead, I was lucky enough to have a close encounter with two very large, black, feral pigs, and six of their piglets. Feral pigs are common throughout Cape York, despite being hunted vigorously by landholders, who are unhappy about the erosive damage caused on their properties. Many people are also afraid of
aggressive animals, as their rough hair, wrinkled faces, and protruding tusks can make them appear somewhat intimidating.
Mangroves are plants which grow between the high and low tides. They are special because they have learned to cope with extreme salt and wind, and have adapted to the soft, sandy soil by extending supporting roots, which anchor the trees against the pull of the ocean. Mangroves also provide habitats for birds and animals unique to that eco-system.
CLASS QUESTIONS >>
What kinds of feral animals can be found in the area where you live?
How did they get there?
What impact do they have on the native environment?
How does their presence affect people in your community?
What attempts have been made to control feral animals? What else could people do?