THE DECLINE OF A NATIVE SPECIES Westie: Maximumus tightblackjeanus et mulletus. In the time it takes you to read this, 17 Westies will become extinct. Westies were first identified as a sub-specie during the mid-70s. The Westie species is thought to be a close relation of the Bogan species of Melbourne, the Booner species found in Canberra's eastern suburbs and the Bevan species spread throughout Brisbane. Westies may also be known colloquially as 'bushpigs' or 'rumpigs' in central west NSW or 'aggies' in other parts of the state. It is believed the initial Sydney population was introduced to habitats such as Parramatta, Granville and Strathfield from the early 1950s. However by the mid-1980s, the species had been somewhat driven from their natural but dangerous homes and had multiplied to plague proportions in the more breeder-friendly areas of Blacktown, Campbelltown and Penrith. While authorities considered a culling program, they need not have bothered, as the regional population began rapid decline from the early-1990s onwards. The situation has reached crisis point, with Westies rarely sighted in the inner Sydney area. Westies now cling to the region's outskirts and are commonly sighted as far north as inland areas of the Central Coast, the western suburbs of Newcastle such as Wallsend, and in the lower Hunter Valley region, especially the rural Westie mecca of Kurri Kurri. But despite these small, often isolated areas of almost exclusively Westie populations, in the year 2001 the species is now officially endangered. Some scientists claim identifying the Westie is genetic, whilst others argue it is a product of nurture. The nurture theory is supported by evidence of extremely young males being coerced by parents to adopt the junior version of the mullet - a growth known as "rats-tail". Males, often known as Wayne or Darren, adopt a dominant status within the Community, with a vague sense of rank defined by the ownership of an aging Ford or Expensive Daewoo motor vehicle. Female Westies, usually named Sharon or Janine, are entrusted with the raising of multiple offspring, the males of which are commonly referred to as Jake or Cody, the females Tay-lah or Monique. This is a role the female. Westie performs from a young age and often without the presence of the male. Female Westies do not follow the 'one partner' mating rituals of other closely related species. Distinguishing male characteristics include tight black denim covering on the hind limbs and bright flannelette markings on the forepaws and belly. Females may be similarly identified through distinctive denim markings, though the pattern is usually of the "Stonewash" variety. In warmer weather, females have been known to shed the lower layer of denim from just below the genital area, resulting in a cut-off effect. Both males and females have been known to cover their lower hind limbs with furry pouches called "ugg-boots". While the wild population of Westies is dwindling, it is still possible to view them in their natural environment. The species have been known to congregate around regional shopping centres where family units often come to settle domestic issues using high-pitched wailing sounds. These are also the habitats from which Westie families gather their weekly household needs. It is a regular ritual, sometimes performed daily, in which the offspring are directed by their elders to enter large supermarkets, whilst they supervise proceedings from outside. The youngsters then collect the requirements and hurriedly leave. The most deeply traditional Westie, as a general rule, has no concept of the accepted modern-day process of exchanging monetary funds for their goods. Instead they prefer to secrete the goods beneath their coverings, or inside pouches or portable transport devices. Westies most commonly employ devices such as bumbag", "backpack" and "old pram" in order to secure their goods. After sunset, younger males and females meet in small dark enclaves known as RSLs (or "Rissoles") and consume large amounts of liquid called Bourbon. There are numerous factors attributed to the decline of the local Westie population. Scientists have identified the popularity of the protective sheath (or "condom") as a contributing cause, while the development of adequate social infrastructure (schools, medium density housing) in traditional Westie enclaves may have fragmented the species. More controversial theories suggest many Westies may have removed their mullets, purchased or stolen Cargo Pants and attempted to integrate themselves into Sydney's mainstream population. Such claims are yet to be substantiated. At present there seems little hope of restoring the Westie population to it's previous levels. Recent attempts have including the development of new artificial habitats, such as an anticipated Westie breeding ground known as "Albion Grove Estate" near Penrith, but it seems this area may be too far from the Panthers Leagues Club to attract large numbers of the species. More successful is an enclosed breeding program called "Macarthur Square", in which young male and female Westies are domiciled in an extremely high-density, mostly featureless space, located in Campbelltown and known to mainstream society as the "shopping centre". The anticipated outcome is the regular pairing off of Westie couples, leading to almost instant and repeated mating rituals and resulting in multiple gestation periods within each three-year breeding cycle. To date the program has proven highly effective, combining aggression, a behavioural norm of the Westie male, with such triggers as beer and occasional displays of female sexuality. A recent local government report for the first quarter of 2001 announced that, from the 70 Westies invited to participate in Phase One of the "Macarthur Square" program in late 1997, some 500 offspring have been produced since August 1998. The number is encouraging, the report says, though somewhat discouraging is the number of abortions recorded in the same period, with the local abortion rate rising by almost 15,000% since the program's inception. In early 2001, authorities attracted Westie elders AC/DC for a brief visit and hope to encourage further breeding of new yearlings within the population. The effects of this effort have yet to be realised. The Westie really is in dire straits. Please play a part in the resurrection of this uniquely Australian species. Dig deep and purchase a flannelette shirt from any participating bottlo, pie shop or Lowes. Shirts cost just $18 (GST inclusive). $2 from every purchase will be donated to the 2001 Save The Westie Appeal. Your donation is tax deductible. Please. Help Save the Westie. Every cent counts.