Did you know that the sugar gliders in Tasmania are not native to our island? These cute little marsupials hale from Victora…. and are now wreaking havoc on our critically endangered Swift Parrot species! But we’ve only known about this since about 2018.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a place dear to our hearts and we have been supporting them for about 15 years with the sale of Wombat Tea, Eastern Grey Kangaroo Tea, Tassie Devil Tea and yes, even the Sugar Glider rooibos blend. Why?
Well, Samantha, now more frequently known as The Tea Lady, is an ex Environmental Scientist, with a major in Zoology and has wanted to maintain her support for our local native wildlife, plus she was a frequent visitor to Bonorong when her daughter was young.
“We’ve always loved seeing the kangaroo joeys, listening to the screech of Devils and we once had the pleasure of hand feeding the rather adorable Sugar Gliders”.
At the time we began the Wildlife Tea Range, we didn’t know the Sugar Glider was an introduced species to Tasmania, and we didn’t know how dastardly it can be! It’s not the gliders’ fault of course, as it is believed that some people in the 1830’s – 1840’s brought them into the State as pets! Well, they didn’t just stay in their cosy bungalows did they? No! They began pinching the homes of the Swift Parrot!! In about 2018 scientists learned that the gliders were not only taking over highly coveted hollowed tree nests from the Swift Parrot, but also eating the eggs and killing the female parrots as well!
So, we discontinued the Sugar Glider rooibos upon learning of their destructive ways and realising it’s not a native, but upon popular demand for the blend, we brought it back. Importantly however we continue to support Bonorong with the sale of this rooibos along with the other wildlife teas.
If you want to support Bonorong, purchase the Sugar Glider Blend Here, and also learn about how and when the sugar glider was thought to arrive in Tasmania watch this informative video here
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