Key Takeaways
- Lyn Alcock, known as the "Numbat whisperer", has spent 20 years photographing the endangered marsupials in Western Australia’s South West.
- Numbat populations are increasing due to ramped-up feral cat control, with annual surveys recording 32 numbat sightings this year.
- The animals can be spotted in two locations: Dryandra Woodland near Narrogin and Perup Nature Reserve close to Manjimup.
- To spot numbats, drive slowly, look for them on tracks or sides, and keep a safe distance to avoid stressing them.
- Numbats are unique creatures with distinctive striped patterns, long tongues, and playful behavior.
Introduction to the Numbat Whisperer
After 20 years of photographing the endangered marsupials of Dryandra Woodland in Western Australia’s South West, Lyn Alcock has earned the moniker "the Numbat whisperer". With her extensive experience and dedication, she has captured the hearts of many with her stunning photographs of these unique creatures. Numbats have a distinctive striped pattern across their backs, and Alcock’s photographs showcase their beauty and playful nature. She started spending almost every day in the woodland, and as others began calling her the Numbat whisperer, she decided to embrace the title.
Photographing Numbats
Early each morning, Alcock drives from her home in Narrogin to the woodland, where she spends up to eight hours a day cruising the tracks with eyes peeled for the shy but playful insectivores. She captures almost all her numbat photographs without leaving her car to avoid spooking the shy animals. With over 3,000 sightings, Alcock still gets excited whenever she sees a numbat, and her photographs reflect her passion and dedication to these creatures. She records everything she sees, sometimes observing things that have not been recorded before, like numbats living up to eight meters high in trees.
Numbat Behavior and Habitat
Alcock has observed more numbats living in trees in recent years, with some even trying to muscle in on a tree hollow that is already occupied. She has also seen numbats trying to get into a tree with a mouthful of grass, only to be rejected by the occupants. These observations provide valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of numbats. Numbats use grass and other soft plant materials to line their burrows, and Alcock’s photographs showcase their unique characteristics, such as their long tongues, which allow them to snuffle up many thousands of termites each day.
Conservation Efforts
There are only two places in the world with wild numbat populations: Dryandra Woodland near Narrogin and Perup Nature Reserve close to Manjimup. Both sites are in Western Australia, earning the numbat the title of WA’s animal emblem. Experts say the increase in numbat numbers is partly due to ramped-up feral cat control. Once thought to be fewer than 1,000 in number, they are slowly making a comeback. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions researcher Tony Friend said an annual survey has been returning promising numbers, recording 32 numbat sightings this year, up from just three or four in previous years.
Spotting Numbats
Alcock has also witnessed the reduction in feral cats, which used to be "all over the place". She has not seen a cat in Dryandra for over 18 months. For hopeful numbat spotters, Alcock advises driving slowly, between 5 and 15 kilometers an hour, and looking for numbats either directly on the tracks or on the sides. When spotting a numbat, it is essential to keep a safe distance, at least 20 meters, and avoid stressing the animal. The DBCA recommends sticking to existing trails and roads and immediately abandoning pursuit if the numbat shows signs of stress.
Conclusion
Lyn Alcock’s photographs capture the weird and wonderful behavior displayed by the Dryandra numbats. Her dedication and passion for these creatures have earned her the title of Numbat whisperer, and her work provides valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of numbats. With conservation efforts in place, numbat populations are increasing, and Alcock’s photographs inspire others to appreciate and respect these unique creatures. As she continues to photograph and observe numbats, Alcock remains in awe of their beauty and playfulness, and her work serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation and protecting endangered species.
