Legless lizard taking strides forward
On behalf of the Friends of the Flinders Ranges Legless Worm Lizard (FFRLWL), I would like to congratulate the relevant authorities on the fifth anniversary of the Gawler East Link Road.
My invitation to the official event marking this occasion must have got lost in the mail, but FFRLWL celebrated in our own small way, staging a short slow walk along part of the road, waving the smalll lizard-coloured pink and grey-brown flags my next door neighbour Phyllis kindly designed.
We are only two in the FRLWL now, plus my great nephew who really comes to the meetings for the cake as much as anything but we are nothing if not determined and kept our eyes cast down on the walk, as always, looking for a sign of our limb-lacking friends.
Alas, they continue to elude us. To be honest, we are not sure we even found the Bebo Arch, which was installed as an environmental corridor for these identity-challenged burrowers, a failing which is more of a surprise given the worm lizard is consistently described as very small, and the Bebo with its 16 x 20 tonne arches, isn’t very small at all.
But we were nonetheless in a celebratory mood, having recently happened upon the study published in Biological Conservation in March 2023 indicating that the Flinders Ranges worm-lizard, (and 22 other species, including the hump back whale) is recommended for removal from the ‘vulnerable status’ list under the Environmental Protection act, as “populations are now stable”.
Well, you can imagine our excitement, and pride, that Gawler has played its part in this – for the worm lizard, that is, I don’t know if council is doing much for hump backed whales.
For surely it cannot be a coincidence that we built a corridor and suddenly our scaly companions have settled down.
It is nothing less than a triumph for long-term planning in traffic management, and a ringing endorsement for those who set the speed limits so low so as not to disturb reptilian life. (We assume that was the reason, nothing else would make sense.) Removal from the vulnerable list might discourage some nature-lovers to move their support on to other species, but not us. We are now keener than ever to contribute to the monitoring of the archway – if we can find it – one day we may even see one of the little fellows.
Anonymous,
Friends of the FRLWL
A heartfelt call to action
As REDFEB, Heart Awareness Month, approaches this February, Heart Research Australia is urging all Australians to come together and take action to safeguard both their heart and brain health.
This year, we are shedding light on the crucial link between cardiovascular health and cognitive function and sharing effective day-to-day strategies to support both. It’s crucial to understand that what supports the heart also benefits the brain.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, and its effects reach far beyond our hearts.
Conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can not only cause damage to the heart, but can also increase the risk of cognitive decline, and the development of dementia.
By 2054, the number of Australians living with dementia is expected to double. So, protecting our heart and brain health now is more vital than ever, not only for our own health and wellbeing, but to reduce the pressure on our health system as it braces for the impact of an ageing population.
In our communities, the impact of heart disease and dementia are deeply felt. We see it in our families, friends, and neighbours. The path forward begins with simple, actionable steps.
Heart Research Australia’s 4-M Approach—Meals, Movement, Measurement, and Mental Wellness—guides us to take small, meaningful actions today, which can protect both our hearts and our minds.
At Heart Research Australia, we are committed to reducing the devastating impact heart disease has on families and the community.
This REDFEB, we are asking Australians to come together to wear red, raise awareness, and contribute to the vital research that will change lives.
By taking action today, we can reduce the devastating effects of heart disease tomorrow. Together, as one community, we can make a difference for our future.
To learn more about Heart Research Australia’s 4-M approach and support Heart Research Australia’s critical research, please visit www.heartresearch.com.au
Nicci Dent
Heart Research Australia chief executive
