International News Bulletin 2017 04 01 Thylarctos plummetus .pdf

International News Bulletin
2017-04-01-Thylarctos_plummetus

Thylarctos plummetus has been identified in Rwanda
The International Council for the Eradication of Intercontinental Species (ICEIS) has received
numerous reports that the animal Thylarctos plummetus, which previously only has been identified in
the Australian continent has spread to the country of Rwanda, Africa. This spread across continents
raises serious alarms bells and all within Rwanda and neighbouring countries should take relevant
precaution when walking in eucalyptus forests.
Thylarctos plummetus, often referred to by its more common name Drop Bear is related to the Koala
and is considered by the local Australian population to be highly dangerous. Drop Bears hunt by
ambushing ground dwelling animals from above, waiting up to as much as four hours to make a surprise
kill. Once prey is within view, the Drop Bear will drop as much as eight metres to pounce on top of the
unsuspecting victim. The initial impact often stuns the prey, allowing it to be bitten on the neck and
quickly subdued. If the prey is small enough Drop Bears will haul it back up the tree to feed without
harassment from other predators. It is not yet certain if the species is the same as that found in Australia
or a new variety that has developed within the Africa continent itself. Future scientific investigations
will be undertaken in the near future to better understand the species.
According to the Rwanda State of Environment and
Outlook Report (www.rema.gov.rw) the total amount of
eucalyptus forests is 102,764 hectares, which represents 4%
of the total land mass of Rwanda, and 42% of all forested
areas. With wide spread eucalyptus forests across central
Africa it is feared that the species will rapidly spread and
become an established within the next 2-5 years if nothing
is quickly done to eradicate the species.

All sightings should be reported to the nearest Australian
citizen as they have been trained in the neutralization of the
animal, but if you have not been trained do not approach.
photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop_bear

More information can be found on the Australian Museum Website
www.australianmuseum.net.au/drop-bear as no specific scientific information has yet been
gathered on the African variety yet.

I. Laughalot
Head of ICEIS
Authorised for release 01-04-2017
Protect It
Protecting the continental borders from the spread of international species

www.ICEIS.com