DAY 6 (#AdriftLab’s last update from the #NullaborPlains): after 4 days of driving, today the #SausageExpress arrived in Esperance!
For our final post, we reflect on the paucity of #wildlife observed during 40 hr of driving across 3580 km, four states, and diversity of habitats (occasionally at dawn). While we saw plenty of magpies and crows (and two wedge-tailed eagles 🦅), no emus, reptiles or mammals were recorded (with the exception of 2 wallabies early this morning, plus 2 road-kill foxes and a rabbit - the latter two are invasive species in AUS). With the exception of a swarm of yellow grasshoppers (near Eucla), our windscreen remained remarkably clean.
#Australia is among the top seven countries worldwide responsible for 60% of the world’s #BiodiversityLoss between 1996 and 2008. There’s much we can and should be doing. But sadly, Australia ranks second worst of 109 countries when it comes to biodiversity status and financial investment in conservation programs.
As first-time visitors to much of the land we crossed this week (essentially, as tourists) the lack of wildlife was notable, as was the frequently burnt vegetation (especially around Balladonia and Norseman 🥺) #bushfire
When you travel across these special places, carefully consider your footprint, the deep history of place, and the desperate need for education and action on environmental issues. We’re all in this together.
#BiodiversityCrisis #InsectApocalyps #ClimateEmergency #ThoughtfulTourism

DAY 4 (journey across the #NullaborPlains): Today we passed the halfway mark after driving for 8 hours through flat, hot, dry, seemingly endless scrubland. At times we were in awe, reflecting on the history of this place: for tens of thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have occupied and navigated these “featureless” and “brutal” landscapes. Yet here we are: driving a paved road, surrounded by signage, checking Google maps every 20 min to ensure we’re going the right way. Our companion dogs sound asleep. What happened… 🤦‍♀️😆
This road sign is disappointing. The beautiful history of this place runs long and deep, but instead of featuring this, “history” starts in 1915 with the arrival of the railroad and “influx of settlers”. Oh golly.
Dear reader, the word "kimba" is derived from the local Aboriginal word for "bushfire". The town was built on Barngarla lands (no doubt without consultation or permission)*
*Had to Google this information as it’s not included on the sign 🙄