36

SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2015

K oalas are iconic. They are also in peril. Once widespread over much

of the woodland areas of Australia Koalas are now hanging on by their sharp pointy claw tips in much of their former range. The greatest factor in their demise is far and

away habitat destruction. It pays to remember that over 80% of the woodland in the Central West has been cleared since settlement. Yes, that’s a staggering 80%. We like to think that the ‘parkland’ look of much of our rural landscape is how it’s always been. But clearing has been

widespread and has taken its toll on creatures like the Koala.

We are now at the point where Koalas are listed as ‘vulnerable’ both in NSW and Nationally. This means they face a high risk of extinction in the medium term future. The Australian Koala

Foundation estimated in 1996 that koalas contributed 1.1 billion in tourism revenue. One would have to conclude koalas earn their keep for the economy.

I recently spoke with Steve Woodhall, National Parks and Wildlife Ranger at Mt Canobolas and he told me of koala research which showed they have a home range of 2 to 3 kilometres. Impressive for a tree dwelling marsupial that sleeps most of the time. They really do get around. Home range is crucial for getting animals through the tough times. If there is a � re or a drought then a biggish home range gives them better prospects to escape the � re or � nd that fodder tree. When you think just how much clearing has gone on, how many fences dissect the country, how many roads crisscross the landscape and how many predators like wild dogs roam our bushland then obviously life for many Koalas can be tough going.

Parks and Reserves are wonderful things but even they have their limitations. Steve also told me that in times gone by Koalas were much more plentiful in these parts. The Barton Nature Reserve on the western slopes of Mt Canobolas was known for its Koalas until the � res of 1917 were believed to have decimated the colony. This is where ‘island patches’ of bushland in a sea of agriculture can only ever be part

of the conservation story. With no other linkages to bushland once a colony is gone then its really gone. There are no koalas on Mt Canobolas though there are in the Lewis Ponds, Mt Rockley and Triangle Flat areas.

Many of our common local tree species are ‘koala food‘. Yellow Box, White Box, Red Stringybark and Ribbon Gum are all good tucker for Koalas. Interestingly Koalas prefer the leaves of fodder trees grown on high fertility soils such as in valley � oors and river and creek � ats. So if you are thinking of doing a farm tree planting don’t forget the value of these high fertility sites as preferable feeding havens for wildlife, including Koalas.

And a tip for all campers and hunters, since Koalas often change trees at night they are very vulnerable to dog attacks so leave your dogs at home or make sure they are well secured at night so we can ensure that koalas make it safely to their next feed tree.

You’ll � nd a great online resource for learning about your local wildlife at the Atlas for NSW Wildlife www.environment.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas

For information on Koala Month see savethekoala.com (Australian Koala Foundation) where you can even welcome in spring by fostering a koala or donating toward the planting of a koala tree.

INGREDIENTS

400 grams chicken breast sliced

1 tbs paprika

2 tbs grounded coriander

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

60 grams English spinach leaves

1 cup diced capsicum (red or green)

1 cup sliced mushroom

1 cup shredded purple cabbage

1 carrot grated

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup alfalfa sprouts

1 avocado, diced

Dressing1/8 cup extra virgin

olive oil 1 small lime, juiced

salt and pepper to season

METHOD

1. In a shallow bowl, combine spices and olive oil, salt and pepper and rub into the chicken. Cover and let marinade for 15 minutes.2. In a large bowl combine salad ingredients (English spinach leaves, capsicum, mushroom, cabbage, tomatoes, sprouts and avocado) 3. Cook dinner in a fry pan over medium heat4. In a small bowl combine dressing ingredients 5. Top salad ingredients with warm chicken, and drizzle with the dressing6. Enjoy

ZA

N’S

PA

PRIK

A A

ND

LIM

E C

HIC

KEN

SA

LAD

WORDS BY BY ZANNA MUNRO —FOUNDER OF ZAN’S GIVING PLATE // FACEBOOK—ZAN’S GIVING PLATE // INSTAGRAM—ZANS_GIVING_PLATER E A D E R

HEALTHYL I V I N G

THE BIRDS ARE CHIRPING, THE SUN IS SHINING AND THE CITY IS FILLED WITH BRIGHT FRESH BLOOMS… IT IS SPRINGTIME!

R E A D E R

GARDENI N Y O U R

WORDS BY BY DHYAN BLORE —dhyan@naturalsplendour.com.au

T wo weeks ago we spoke about a spring food detox, I wanted to

continue that discussion as I think the mind and physical body play a role in a good detox.

Now the weather is warmer we can’t help but want to get outside and soak up that beautiful spring sunshine. Vitamin D is so important for our health, for the maintenance of our bones and teeth and to support the health of our immune system, brain and nervous system.

Getting outdoors to exercise means you will not only bene� t from vitamin D, it will help to

increase your � tness levels while helping to lose the extra kilos you may have gained during winter. Research has also shown that exercise helps to decrease the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve mood. The secret to starting an exercise program is to start slow and steady and get into a routine. Don’t push yourself too hard to begin with, set yourself small goals that are achievable. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to make sure you are well hydrated. Coconut water is a great option, it contains lots of natural electrolytes.

A mental spring clean is also an important part of a detox. It gives us the opportunity to manifest what we want in our lives and remove everything that no longer serves us. Guided meditations are a great way to ensure we stay centred and grounded and are bene� cial ways to remove stress and help us to live healthier and happier lives. There are so many free-guided meditations available for download on the Internet. I love starting and ending my day with a meditation, give it a try and see the bene� ts you notice.

And of course, healthy eating makes you feel great and spring

ready. The warm weather means that salads are making a comeback into my diet. I love that you can let your imagination run wild while creating salads. You can add so many di� erent ingredients and make yourself a very nutrient dense meal. I also love salads because the left overs are so convenient, you can easily take the left overs to work and enjoy them outside while soaking up some beautiful spring sunshine.

This week, I have included a delicious rainbow spring salad for you packed with lots of fresh ingredients, I hope you enjoy it!

SEPTEMBER IS KOALA MONTH. SO HOW IS IT THAT WE HAVE A MONTH DEVOTED TO JUST ONE OF OUR THREE HUNDRED SPECIES OF AUSTRALIAN MAMMALS?

A HOME AMONG THE