'Eco' an indicator of environmental times

Environment

The University of Adelaide has a new mascot - for sustainability.

Called Eco the lizard, the mascot was seen recently as part of the launch of the new Ecoversity sustainability project at the University.

Ecoversity, previously known as Sustainable Adelaide, is an ongoing initiative that aims to learn more about the University's "resources footprint" and provide best-practice solutions for becoming more sustainable.

The mascot is based on a Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard (Tiliqua adelaidensis), which are uniquely local to Adelaide, particularly the mid-North region. Prior to re-discovery in 1992, they were regarded as one of the most seriously endangered of Australia's reptile species, if not actually extinct.

Since re-discovery, a concerted conservation and recovery effort has seen numbers increase to more stable, albeit still critical, proportions.

"We chose Eco as our mascot because of pygmy bluetongues' link to the state and because they are excellent bio-indicators," said the University's Director, Office of Services and Resources, Jonathan Pheasant.

The principle reason for the species' rarity is believed to be ploughing of its native grassland habitat. Ploughing permanently alters the vegetation and ground cover and destroys existing spider burrows - the only refuge used by pygmy bluetongues.

Recovery plans have focused on the management of habitat remnants and community awareness and involvement.

"Pygmy bluetongues can sense danger from a long way off, which means Eco is here to help us," Mr Pheasant said.

"Eco represents our commitment to a more sustainable University. Eco supports all activities aimed at reducing our environmental footprint and risk, and seeks to raise staff and student awareness through participation in and promotion of sustainable ideas."

Ecoversity was launched last month during a breakfast at the North Terrace Campus as part of national Ride To Work Day.

Around 300 staff and students from the University of Adelaide took part in Ride To Work Day, with as many as 150 attending the breakfast hosted by the University.

"By taking part in national Ride To Work Day, the University is doing its part to raise the profile of the health and environmental benefits of riding bicycles," said Mr Paul Duldig, Vice President (Services and Resources).

"For some people, this was the first time they had ridden to work.

"It's a great event. It brings people together and gives them an opportunity to understand the positive impact of cycling on individuals, the University and the community."

Mr Duldig said riding to work was one way of helping the University to reduce its carbon footprint.

"We're pleased to be supporting the aims of national Ride To Work Day, which align with the University's own goals of encouraging alternative means of transport."

To help staff and students prepare for the ride, the University worked with Bicycle SA to hold a series of bike maintenance workshops.

"While it's important for us to encourage people to ride to the University, we also want to make sure that people understand how they can get their bicycles 'ride ready'. These workshops have been particularly useful for first-time riders or people who have not ridden a bike for many years."

Story by David Ellis