I've done a bit of research but so far haven't quite found out what I'm looking for.

I've gathered that in order to paint a part of a mammal pole, I need to level up in quests.

So then, is there no point in me having my mammal pole out right now? I've only got 16 scrolls and am a ways away from reaching level 2. Also, if I do not have the mammal pole in my garden when I level up, will it not get painted?

And how do I know whether I need to have out the mammal pole or bird pole? I know they attract different animals, but is there a rhythm to which one I should put out to paint at which time?

You only need to put the poles out when you have coloured a section and are ready to attract the Extinct wildlife.

You use alternate poles each time you complete a level.  Completing odd-numbered levels (1, 3, 5, 7) allows you to paint a section of mammal pole, and completing even-numbered levels (2, 4, 6, 8) allows you to paint a section of bird pole.

You don't need to put the mammal pole out which is the first pole to use till you are ready to paint it once you have got your 150 scrolls - once you have reached the 600 scrolls for Level 2 you would use the bird pole. They alternate after that with an increasing number of scrolls needed for each level after....

Oh! Okay, so I can put it away for now.

Thank you everyone!

Quite happy to free up a space in my garden :)

Just curious, if I have coloured one section of my pole and put it away, will it keep that coloured part or do I have to paint it over again? Thanks.

It will stay painted.

Even if you accidentally discard it, you will always be able to get another one free, and you will always be able to repaint the sections you've completed.

Thank you Tracey.