The Western Quoll is back in arid Australia for the first time in over 100 years, and with your help we’ll keep it there. Our latest newsletter is packed with stories about many organisations and people who want to keep our tiny population of Western Quoll safe and growing.
Western Quoll Reintroduction trial deemed a success The Chuditch* (Western Quoll) Recovery Team has deemed the trial reintroduction of the species to the Flinders Ranges that commenced in April 2014 an early success. Having met all of the Recovery Team’s required early key performance indicators, stage 2 of the assessment – survival and dispersal of juveniles – is the next vital step toward final confirmation of a second translocation of animals in autumn 2015. Project donors, FAME members and representatives of a number of project partners were recently hosted by the FAME Board at an update presentation where Drs David Peacock and Katherine Moseby spoke about the achievements of the reintroduction to date. FAME Chairman Chris Chapman laid justifiable claim to a ‘distinction’ result. Mr Chapman said that despite the loss of around 30% of translocated animals, the survival of over 60% coupled with the production of 60 young quolls pointed to a very encouraging start, with a high likelihood of establishing a sustainable population if these results could be maintained. ‘Moving from a baseline of zero quolls in early 2014 to almost 90 animals in less than 12 months demonstrates that the project is viable and justifies the generous investment of our donors and supporters in such an ambitious initiative’ said Mr Chapman. FAME and the SA Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) are now waiting for the results of the trapping of juveniles in early December before planning for the second translocation. The Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) will provide more quolls in 2015 and 2016. FAME CEO Cheryl Hill said that the work so far is the result of generous support from hundreds of people and organisations, many of whom have pledged support over multiple years, but with several years still to go the fundraising must continue if we are to give ‘our’ quolls their best chance of survival. Maximum support will mean maximum results, and the Executive Task Force spearheading fundraising efforts (Chaired by Peter Kay) is determined to raise the entire $1.7m needed to bring the project to a successful conclusion. ‘With the help of our donors we’ve paid for the planning and the trial reintroduction so far. This great result makes it all worthwhile, but we don’t intend to rest on our laurels. Now we must find the money for the next three years’ said Cheryl. Sincere thanks to those wonderful people and organisations who have already supported the return of the Western Quoll to the Flinders Ranges, but we need others to join them. If you have not already given please consider the benefit that your support will bring to the future of this important species and send your generous gift to: FAME, PO Box 482 MITCHAM SA 5062 or online: www.fame.org.au/donate. If you know of others who are passionate about Australian wildlife and would be interested in supporting this important project please ask them to contact FAME CEO Cheryl Hill via [email protected] or phone 08 8374 1744. (* ‘Chuditch’ is the indigenous name for the Western Quoll in WA; the Adnyamathanha name for the Western Quoll in the Flinders Ranges is ‘Idnya’.) Ltd 2014 Issue 02 Newsletter Above top: Dr Katherine Moseby, Dr David Peacock and Senator Sean Edwards are strong advocates for the return of the Western Quoll to arid Australia. Above bottom: Trevor Naismith, Proo Geddes, Peter Kay (Chairman, Executive Task Force for the Western Quoll Reintroduction) and John Schutz (Group Executive Director, Partnerships and Stewardship, DEWNR) celebrating the return of the Western Quoll to the Flinders Ranges. WHAT’S INSIDE… • Lucky quoll orphans • Partnerships make effective conservation possible • What’s new for Gilbert’s Potoroo • Bridled Nailtail Wallabies at Avocet Nature Refuge • Cane toads moving south Photo courtesy SSAA.
Transcript
Western Quoll Reintroduction trial deemed a successThe Chuditch* (Western Quoll) Recovery Team has deemed the trial reintroduction of the species to the Flinders Ranges that commenced in April 2014 an early success.
Having met all of the Recovery Team’s required early key performance indicators, stage 2 of the assessment – survival and dispersal of juveniles – is the next vital step toward final confirmation of a second translocation of animals in autumn 2015.
Project donors, FAME members and representatives of a number of project partners were recently hosted by the FAME Board at an update presentation where Drs David Peacock and Katherine Moseby spoke about the achievements of the reintroduction to date.
FAME Chairman Chris Chapman laid justifiable claim to a ‘distinction’ result. Mr Chapman said that despite the loss of around 30% of translocated animals, the survival of over 60% coupled with the production of 60 young quolls pointed to a very encouraging start, with a high likelihood of establishing a sustainable population if these results could be maintained.
‘Moving from a baseline of zero quolls in early 2014 to almost 90 animals in less than 12 months demonstrates that the project is viable and justifies the generous investment of our donors and supporters in such an ambitious initiative’ said Mr Chapman.
FAME and the SA Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) are now waiting for the results of the trapping of juveniles in early December before planning for the second translocation. The Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) will provide more quolls in 2015 and 2016.
FAME CEO Cheryl Hill said that the work so far is the result of generous support from hundreds of people and organisations, many of whom have pledged support over multiple years, but with several years still to go the fundraising must continue if we are to give ‘our’ quolls their best chance of survival. Maximum support will mean maximum results, and the Executive Task Force spearheading fundraising efforts (Chaired by Peter Kay) is determined to raise the entire $1.7m needed to bring the project to a successful conclusion.
‘With the help of our donors we’ve paid for the planning and the trial reintroduction so far. This great result makes it all worthwhile, but we don’t intend to rest on our laurels. Now we must find the money for the next three years’ said Cheryl.
Sincere thanks to those wonderful people and organisations who have already supported the return of the Western Quoll to the Flinders Ranges, but we need others to join them. If you have not already given please consider the benefit that your support will bring to the future of this important species and send your generous gift to: FAME, PO Box 482 MITCHAM SA 5062 or online: www.fame.org.au/donate. If you know of others who are passionate about Australian wildlife and would be interested in supporting this important project please ask them to contact FAME CEO Cheryl Hill via [email protected] or phone 08 8374 1744.
(* ‘Chuditch’ is the indigenous name for the Western Quoll in WA; the Adnyamathanha name for the Western Quoll in the Flinders Ranges is ‘Idnya’.)
Ltd
2014 Issue 02 Newsletter
Above top: Dr Katherine Moseby, Dr David Peacock and Senator Sean Edwards are strong advocates for the return of the Western Quoll to arid Australia. Above bottom: Trevor Naismith, Proo Geddes, Peter Kay (Chairman, Executive Task Force for the Western Quoll Reintroduction) and John Schutz (Group Executive Director, Partnerships and Stewardship, DEWNR) celebrating the return of the Western Quoll to the Flinders Ranges.
Lucky quoll orphans live to see another dayToodjay, one of the quolls translocated to the Flinders Ranges from WA in April this year, probably died defending her babies. Sadly, she was one of ten animals known to be killed by feral cats and her body was found near the base of a large tree.
Project team members had already identified Toodjay as something special. When trapped for a pouch check some weeks earlier she had seven pouch young – a number unknown previously in the species as they normally have six mammary glands and can therefore only suckle six babies.
When Toodjay’s body was found the team went looking for her den. The babies were old enough to be left alone during Toodjay’s hunting expeditions but they would not survive alone for long. Alas, there was no sign of a den, or of the babies.
Luckily PhD student did not leave it at that. On checking the tree next morning Hannah
found two young quolls near its base. Looking up, she noticed a tree hollow about 5 metres above. With the help of parks staff Arthur Coulthard and Steve Jennings 5 more baby quolls were retrieved from the nest – alive. The babies – 3 females and 4 males – were fully furred and around 110g in weight.
Quickly the quolls were placed inside the ranger’s shirts next to their bodies and taken back to base, from where they were flown to Adelaide to the intensive care unit of Adelaide Zoo.
Today those babies are alive and thriving. They have been weaned and raised to be as wild as possible, in preparation for release back
into the Flinders Ranges in early December. Each will be fitted with a radio collar and tracked to observe behaviour and survival. They will be released into the rugged hills surrounding Wilpena Pound, and the good wishes of every member of the reintroduction team will go with them.
We still don’t know why Toodjay produced seven young instead of six, but even though she paid a high price to keep her young safe there are now seven more little quolls to add to the growing population of Western Quolls in the Flinders Ranges.
Above (l-r): One of seven orphaned quolls found after Toodjay was killed by a feral cat; Orphaned quolls are thriving at Adelaide Zoo; The reintroduced Western Quolls are using a wide range of sites for their dens, including a hollow high up in this tree.
FAME Director picks up where John Gould left offRenowned English ornithologist and bird artist John Gould noted in 1863 when he wrote The Mammals of Australia that Australia’s wildlife was under threat and prophesied the loss of key species such as the Thylacine.
He was right. Between 1850 and 1950 as many mammals disappeared from Australia as had disappeared from the rest of the world in the period 1600 to 2000.
That sad history is chronicled in a new book by FAME Director and zoologist Dr Fred Ford. Dr Ford’s book - John Gould’s Extinct & Endangered Mammals of Australia - is a tribute to Gould’s work.
Dr Ford takes up the story of 46 Australian mammals documented by Gould and chronicles the devastating impact of colonists on Australian wildlife.
Richly illustrated and supported by detailed information about each animal as well as maps and timelines, the book also provides recent success stories of programs reintroducing species to their original habitat and efforts to combat the spread of introduced predators
and herbivores that compete with wildlife for food and habitat.
Dr Ford is one of Australia’s top native rodent experts, responsible (with FAME’s support) for establishing the Saving Threatened Australian Rodents project. The latest development for the project was the release of New Holland mice into Mulligan’s Flat Nature Reserve in 2013. Following a recent trapping exercise at Mulligan’s, Dr Ford reported that not only were there plenty of healthy mice around, but most importantly the trapped female mice were very pregnant, and some had already had young.
‘This is great news’, said Dr Ford, ‘now we just need to see if the young survive as this is the first generation of free-living mice born in Mulligans. Given the good adult survival its looks promising.’
Partnerships make effective conservation possibleFAME recognises that no one organisation has the capacity to help all of Australia’s endangered species. In more than 20 years FAME has worked with many like-minded organisations. The great results of our work saving wildlife are testament to the effectiveness of that strategy.
On these pages are some of the organisations we have worked with over the years, beginning with Earth Sanctuaries Ltd in 1993. This year, as we continue with our
most ambitious species recovery project ever, we are working with no less than four organisations. We are convinced that in this way we will make the future of the Western
Quoll safer and by restoring a top predator to arid Australia improve the health and function of an entire ecosystem.
Sporting Shooters help make the reintroduction of the Western Quoll possibleEfforts to restore the locally extinct Western Quoll to arid Australia have been strengthened by a valuable partnership between FAME and the nation’s premier shooting body.
The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA) Inc. will provide funding over three years to FAME to support the reintroduction of the Western Quoll to the Flinders Ranges.
The much-needed funding will help relocate and release more quolls from Western Australia to the Flinders Ranges. The partnership will also see the SSAA assist with monitoring efforts and work collaboratively with landowners surrounding the national parks to reduce the biggest threat to the project: feral cats.
FAME approached the SSAA because of its renowned contributions to conservation management and the role SSAA SA Conservation and Wildlife Management (CWM) has played in Operation Bounceback.
The success of Operation Bounceback in reducing feral animals in the region over more than 20 years is a large factor in making the quoll reintroduction possible. Hunters from the SSAA SA CWM branch have been part of this effort from the beginning, and continue to assist the State Government with pest animal
control in the region’s national parks.
SSAA Chief Executive Officer Tim Bannister said the project fits with the SSAA’s many other environmental activities, making the decision to back the initiative clear.
“Our commitment to successful and responsible conservation and wildlife management is demonstrable, with our hunter members credited for the overwhelming success of Operation Bounceback,” he said.
Visit www.ssaa.org.au to find out more about SSAA.
Above: Dr Katherine Moseby, Dr David Peacock, SSAA SA President Mr David Handyside and SSAA National CEO Mr Tim Bannister.
Foundation for Rabbit Free Australia supports the return of the Western QuollRFA made the decision to support the return of the Western Quoll to the Flinders Ranges because of the known effects of quolls on rabbits.
RFA’s objective is to reduce the effect of Australia’s worst and most longstanding vertebrate pest – the European rabbit – that has destroyed much of the landscape and cost agricultural and pastoral industries billions of dollars in lost productivity.
RFA contributes to both on-ground action and research to discover the best way to control or eliminate this devastating pest. Like FAME, they hope that quolls reintroduced to the Flinders will have an impact on rabbits in areas where diseases cannot penetrate.
The threat to agricultural productivity from feral animals is estimated at more than $1 billion every year, despite an estimated $70
billion saved over the past 60 years thanks to the effect of myxsoma virus and rabbit calici virus. In the Flinders the contrast between areas where rabbits are thriving and areas where they have been largely removed is remarkable, but even so it is known that when rabbits are present even in extremely low numbers they destroy seedlings and prevent new plants from establishing.
RFA is also watching the efforts of quoll project advocate and biosecurity expert
Dr David Peacock to find a new bio-control agent for rabbits once the calici virus has run its course.
FAME is delighted to be working with RFA. Our mutual objective, to improve the Australian landscape, will be enhanced by the return of the Western Quoll, an animal that once played a vital role in keeping rabbits under control in this country. If our project is successful it may do so again.
www.rabbitfreeaustralia.org.au
Above: Since its establishment in the 1800’s the European rabbit has destroyed much of the Australian landscape and cost billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Adelaide University is home to a number of research institutes including the Environment Institute whose focus is to protect and enhance biodiversity. FAME collaborated with Adelaide University to study the effects of habitat fragmentation on native orchids and a project to study the endangered Broad-shelled Tortoise.
Arid Recovery is a fenced reserve in arid South Australia where four species of locally extinct mammals: the Stick-nest Rat, Burrowing Bettong, Bilby and Western Barred Bandicoot, have so far been reintroduced. FAME supported the reintroduction of the Western Barred Bandicoot - the first reintroduction of this animal outside of WA - now found in high numbers in the reserve.
www.aridrecovery.org.au
Australian Ecosystems Foundation (AESF) is dedicated to saving Australian wildlife by protecting habitats and maintaining natural ecological processes. FAME assisted AESF with the establishment of a captive breeding population of Eastern Quoll. One of the objectives of AESF is to gain approval to release a trial population of Eastern Quoll into the wild in NSW.
www.ausecosystems.org.au
The Australasian Wildlife Management Society promotes the use of science to identify appropriate wildlife management principles and practices, to develop plans of management and to implement and review these plans within a social, environmental, economic and political context. The society draws on the expertise of a wide ranges people and groups including research scientists, educators, wildlife managers and policy professionals. FAME is a member of this society.
www.awms.org.au
Birdlife Australia works in a number of ways to protect Australian birds including conservation, advocacy and documentation in the Atlas of Australian Birds database. The first sanctuary to be run by Birdlife Australia was the Gluepot Sanctuary in South Australia which is home to a number of endangered birds including one of Australia’s most endangered birds, the Black-eared Miner. FAME funded equipment for an environmental education centre at Gluepot Sanctuary.
www.gluepot.org
Devil Ark in the Barrington Tops of NSW is a key part of the Tasmanian Devil insurance breeding program that is ensuring the long term survival and sustainability of the species in the wild. The first Tasmanian Devils were released into Devil Ark’s free range enclosures in 2011 where over 200 Tasmanian Devils are safe from the Tumour Facial Disease devastating the Tasmanian population. FAME is a founding partner of Devil Ark.
www.fame.org.au/projects/devil-ark
The Dingo for Biodiversity Project brings together ecologists and landowners with the aim of developing and implementing predator-friendly management practices and to monitor the ecological changes as dingo populations recover. Their vision is one where dingoes are seen as an essential part of biodiversity enhancement instead of pests needing control. FAME funded award-winning research conducted by the Dingo for Biodiversity Project into the role of the dingo as an apex predator in Australian ecosystems.
www.dingobiodiversity.com
The Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Trust (BNWT) is dedicated to the conservation of the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby and its Brigalow habitat, both of which are classified as endangered. The BNWT manages the Avocet Nature Reserve, one of three unfenced nature reserves where Bridled Nailtail Wallabies are found. FAME has provided funding for the protection of this beautiful wallaby at Avocet Nature Reserve.
www.bntwallaby.org.au cesar Pty Ltd combines a passion for sustainability with cutting edge science to achieve positive outcomes for the agricultural sector and wildlife conservation in Australia. Amongst cesar’s many successes are projects to increase the genetic diversity of the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby, Eastern Quoll; and Mountain Pygmy Possum. FAME has provided funding to support all these species.
www.cesaraustralia.com
The Conservation Council of South Australia (Conservation SA) is a peak body representing about 50 member groups whose main purpose is conservation and protection of the environment. FAME has supported one of Conservation SA’s major projects, the Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren and Fleurieu Peninsula Swamps Recovery Program.
www.conservationsa.org.au
QUOLL REINTRODUCTION PARTNERSFoundation for Rabbit Free Australia (RFA). See article page 3.
www.rabbitfreeaustralia.org.au
The Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA). See article page 3.
www.ssaa.org.au/hunting
The South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) manages South Australia’s natural resources. Over the years FAME has provided funding to a number of DEWNR projects including: recovery of the Spiny Daisy, one of the world’s rarest plants; a breeding program for the critically endangered Yarra Pygmy Perch; and emergency support for the endangered River Blackfish. Recently FAME formed a ground-breaking partnership with DEWNR to return the Western Quoll to arid South Australia. DEWNR is our principle partner in this project.
www.environment.sa.gov.au
The Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife’s (DPaW) conserves biodiversity and manages the State’s national parks, marine parks and other reserves, a total area of more than 27 million hectares. DPaW is actively engaged in a large number of endangered species recovery programs. FAME has worked closely with DPaW on projects including the recovery of Gilbert’s Potoroo, the Numbat and now the Western Quoll. DPaW has been successfully managing the last of Australia’s Western Quolls for over 17 years, and this year provided wild quolls for the Western Quoll reintroduction project in the Flinders Ranges. Further quolls will be provided by DPaW over the next two years to ensure a sustainable population.
Federation University (formerly Ballarat University) owns and manages Nanya Station as a site of conservation research and teaching. Nanya, formerly a pastoral property, is in the Scotia Region of far west New South Wales. Nanya contains highly significant plant communities not otherwise represented in conservation reserves and is home to several endangered animal species. FAME provided support to protect the endangered Mallefowl on Nanya Station.
Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum is a volunteer organisation dedicated to helping the endangered Leadbeater’s Possum survive in the wild. In 2009 FAME provided funding for a project to survey the effects of a devastating local fire on remnant populations of the endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, and restore nest boxes that had been destroyed by fire.
www.leadbeaters.org.au
The Invasive Species Council campaigns for better laws and policies to protect the Australian environment from weeds, feral animals and exotic pathogens. FAME is a member and strong supporter of the Invasive Species Council and its efforts.
www.invasives.org.au
Little Desert Nature Lodge in Victoria was established is 1969 to raise awareness of the unique local flora and fauna The hosts visitors from around Australia and overseas with money raised from this tourism going back to conservation work within the area.. FAME supported the establishment of a protected breeding area for the endangered Malleefowl.
www.littledesertlodge.com.au
Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre (Mt Rothwell) is a privately owned 420 ha property located in largely remnant basalt plains grassland habitat 45 km west of Melbourne. It is the largest predator free ecosystem in Victoria and is exclusively managed for the conservation of some of Australia’s most threatened faunal species, including the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Brush tailed Rock Wallaby and Eastern Quoll. Breeding success at Mt Rothwell has been spectacular with some of the species surviving on the property forming the largest population of free ranging specimens at both a state and national level. FAME is a long term supporter of Mt Rothwell.
www.mtrothwell.com.au
The Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) manages public and private land, and water for the people of Victoria which includes protecting the environment and management of natural resources. Recognising that invasive species are a major contributor to native animal extinctions in Australia, DEPI has a number of invasive species control program including the Southern Ark fox control project in far eastern Gippsland www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2010/07/12/2951433.htm. FAME provided funding to this project, with benefits to a range of endangered mammals including the Tiger Quoll, Long Nosed Potoroo and Southern Brown Bandicoot. FAME and Mt Rothwell Sanctuary recently collaborated with DEPI to establish modern environmental education facilities at Mt Rothwell.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is a feral proof haven in ACT, where a healthy box-gum woodland ecosystem is being restored through careful management and reintroduction of species such as the endangered New Holland Mouse. FAME provided funding to STAR to support the captive breeding of New Holland mice for release into Mulligans Flat.
www.mulligansflat.org.au
The Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection is responsible for managing the health of the environment to protect Queensland’s unique ecosystems as well as its biodiversity. FAME has provided funding to the Department’s Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat Recovery Program, resulting in the establishment of a second population of the critically endangered wombats at the Richard Underwood Nature Reserve in 2011.
www.ehp.qld.gov.au
Sydney University is home to the award winning Cane Toad control research team led by Professor Rick Shine. FAME is supporting research efforts into developing effective control methods for the invasive Cane Toad, and an examination of the expansion of the Cane Toad population on its southern front.
www.canetoadsinoz.com
Wadderin Sanctuary is a protected area for the wildlife and vegetation of the central wheat belt of Western Australia. Wadderin is owned and managed by the Narembeen community and was developed in collaboration with WA-based Wildlife Research and Management. Wadderin protects a number of endangered species including the Red-tailed Phascogale, Brush-tailed Bettong (Woylie), Southern Brown Bandicoot (Quenda), Malleefowl and Bush Stone-curlew. FAME has supported Wadderin’s efforts to re-establish a number of these species.
Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ) supports the survival of species and ecosystems in Queensland, including the endangered Mahogany Glider. In the wake of Cyclone Yasi (February 2011) FAME provided support to the emergency relief program for native species. With less than 1500 individuals left in the wild, the endangered Mahogany Glider was the highest priority of the program.
www.wildlife.org.au/v3/projects/gliders
Earth Sanctuaries Ltd. (ESL) no longer exists, but nevertheless deserves a special mention in this partnership list. FAME’s first ten years as the Earth Sanctuaries Foundation were highly productive, resulting in the restoration of endangered species to places where they were locally extinct, in some cases for over 100 years. FAME and ESL’s collaboration over that period strengthened the chances of survival of more than 10 mainly small to medium sized mammals including quolls, bandicoots, potoroos, numbats, mala, Bridled Nailtail Wallabies and bettongs in South Australia, Victoria, and NSW.
www.fame.org.au/success
FAME is proud that every one of these populations continues to this day.PHOTOS 1 Western Quoll (Lochman Transparencies). 2 Mountain Pygmy Possum (Andrew Weeks). 3 Tasmanian Devil (Steve Parish). 4 Dingo and pups (Jennifer Parkhurst). 5 Mallefowl. 6 Eastern Quoll (Mt Rothwell). 7 Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat (Steve Parish). 8 Numbat.
What’s new for Gilbert’s Potoroo - Australia’s Most Endangered MammalGilbert’s Potoroo exists only in a single, very small population on Mount Gardner, in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, near Albany, Western Australia. The wild population is estimated to number between 30 and 40 individuals and occurs in an area of about 1000 ha. Despite much work since the species was rediscovered in the early 1990s – including help from FAME to establish a feral free captive breeding facility and a second colony on Bald Island off the WA coast - the wild population at Two Peoples Bay has not expanded as hoped.
The wild population of Gilbert’s Potoroo exists in dense, long unburnt vegetation that is potentially highly vulnerable to wildfire. Cats and foxes both exist at Two Peoples Bay and while the bush habitat is dense and adult potoroos have a good chance of escape (the heathland habitat is riddled with a network of potoroo tunnels), the young are vulnerable.
Predator control is important, but so is keeping the vegetation structure intact to control dieback infection. Gilbert’s Potoroo feeds primarily on fungi, many species of which are associated with the roots of healthy plants. Plant dieback disease can alter vegetation structure or eliminate species that are hosts to the fungi on which it feeds.
It is hoped that the population of Gilbert’s Potoroo on the Mount Gardner headland will eventually expand by dispersing through adjacent bushland corridors into suitable habitat nearby. Some of this linking bushland occurs on private land and unless these corridors are protected from clearing, the chance of successful dispersal to new areas will be very small.
In 1994, just after the species was rediscovered, a captive breeding colony was established to support the wild colony. Reproductive rates were much lower than anticipated and the focus of the recovery plan, while continuing to protect the wild colony (through fox baiting and fire exclusion), shifted to establishing new colonies.
With this in mind a few wild potoroos were moved to Bald Island in 2005. Ten potoroos were taken from Two Peoples Bay to Bald
Island between 2005 and 2007, with on-going monitoring of the tiny founding population. In 2009 the Bald Island population had grown to over 25 animals and six individuals were moved back to the mainland for introduction into a purpose-built 380 ha enclosure – supported by FAME - from which foxes and cats had been removed.
Despite more removals back to the new mainland enclosure, by 2012 the Bald Island population surpassed 60 and there were over 20 within the new enclosure where assisted breeding techniques such as cross-fostering (using Long-nosed Potoroo mothers) and artificial insemination are being explored with the assistance of Perth Zoo.
Thanks to 20 years of effort by many people and organisations Gilbert’s Potoroo lives on. Everything possible is being done to help this unique little animal and although success has been patchy WA DPaW, the Gilbert’s Potoroo Action Group and key supporters like FAME don’t intend to give up while there is still hope for Australia’s Most Endangered Mammal.
Above: The colony of Gilbert’s Potoroos established on Bald Island in 2005 has grown by leaps and bounds.
Photo courtesy Dick Walker.
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Above & below: Bridled Nailtail joeys will receive special protection until they are large enough to escape feral cats.
Bridled Nailtail Wallabies at Avocet Nature RefugeAvocet Nature Refuge covers around one quarter of an active 1200-hectare cattle property in central Queensland, 40 kilometres south of Emerald. The property features remnants of the endangered Brigalow ecological community, and owner Hugo Spooner maintains habitat integrity by limiting cattle numbers and seasonally rotating stock through sections of the reserve. Avocet supports a range of native mammals including Swamp Wallaby, Rufous Bettong, Sugar Glider and Koala. Over 150 bird species have been recorded.
From 2001 to 2005, Bridled Nailtail Wallabies (BNTW) were reintroduced to Avocet Nature Reserve. Once considered extinct, the BNTW was rediscovered in 1973 on a cattle property near the town of Dingo, 120 km east of Emerald. The property became Taunton National Park, and animals were subsequently relocated to Idalia National Park (near Blackall) and Avocet in case the Taunton animals were lost to fire or disease. Additional animals are being bred at Scotia Sanctuary in western NSW.
Actions to ensure the sustainability of the BNW population at Avocet include:
Baiting program A regular baiting program for dogs and pigs is coordinated by Janelle Lowry from the Threatened Species Unit of the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, and involves numerous local landholders. This program decreases the impacts of these feral animals and raises awareness of the plight of the BNTW by actively engaging locals in activities that aid the wallabies. Researchers at Taunton reported a decrease in BNTW numbers when baiting was not carried out, suggesting it may be an important tool in sustaining populations.
Mark-recapture surveys An annual trapping program takes place in July. All captured animals are measured and weighed, DNA samples are taken, eartags and microchips fitted, and the health of individuals assessed. Information gained informs researchers on trends across the group, with notes made on attributes such as general condition, tick load, teeth quality etc. Recent results, along with those from previous years, suggest that the BNTW population is stable.
In the lead-up to the mark-recapture surveys, a network of sand plots is monitored over four days to gain an indication of feral activity within the reserve. Significant dog and cat activity has been noted over the last two years, although fox records have been rare.
Hair sampling surveyAnalysis of DNA obtained from hair samples has the potential to provide a more comprehensive estimate of BNW numbers than trapping. In late 2011, 180 hair traps were installed, using double-sided tape in a triangle or laneway arrangement near bait of fresh lucerne and sweet potato. Processing of the samples confidently identified 66 individuals, providing a minimum population figure far above what was previously known.
Infrared camera networkA series of infrared cameras supplied by FAME and the Fitzroy Basin Association was placed in a grid across the reserve from July 2013 to January 2014 to gather data on feral animal activity. This information will be used to analyse occupancy and habitat preference of different predators and to identify any meaningful variation in numbers after baiting treatments, allowing Avocet’s managers to more effectively implement predator controls.
WildMob Nailtail nursery programPredation by cats is the major problem for young wallabies. While larger animals are taken occasionally, cats tend to take prey with a mass of up to 2kg. To protect juvenile BNTWs until they are above this threshold a nine-hectare predator exclusion nursery on Avocet NR will be built to house up to eight females and their young. The juveniles would remain in the enclosure until they weighed at least 3kg, giving them a much better chance of long term survival.
Photo courtesy WildMob.
Photo courtesy WildMob.
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From the editor’s deskTwo very strong themes have emerged from our efforts to save endangered species this year: ‘feral control’ and ‘partnerships’.
Of these two, perhaps the most important is partnerships for the simple reason that the problems faced by our disappearing wildlife, including feral predators and competitors, are so great that it is only by working together that we will have any chance of stemming the tide of extinctions.
It’s really encouraging to know that the devastating impact of feral predators on our wildlife, particularly the feral cat, is now recognised at all levels. More than that, efforts to control the situation before it’s too late are being led by the federal Minister for the Environment.
Not before time, some will say. Others, including FAME, put saving species above politics and are grateful for the help that this will mean for people and organisations fighting to save what’s left of our natural heritage.
FAME’s partners and collaborators are extensive and wide-ranging. From government departments to community groups to private landholders and sanctuary owners to other organisations to leading educational and research bodies all are seeking, like FAME, to turn the tide on Australia’s shameful record of species extinction.
I pay tribute to all organisations working tirelessly for change, but above all I recognise
and thank the thousands of individuals whose generous donations underpin the work and make it possible. Saving wildlife and habitats is an expensive business but not one of you begrudges the cost provided we are moving in the right direction.
FAME, with the help of our donors, our partners and our networks can honestly say that our work results in a greater chance of survival for Australia’s precious endangered species. This year, thanks to the early success of our project to restore the Western Quoll to its former territory in arid Australia in the Flinders Ranges, we can demonstrate that our efforts have resulted in a push-back against dwindling numbers and shrinking territory for this important species.
Operation Bounceback, an initiative of the SA Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources that includes the efforts of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, has reduced the numbers of foxes in the Flinders to a point where vulnerable species such as the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby, and now the Western Quoll, can survive. The greatest single threat to the success of the quoll reintroduction and to the survival of many vulnerable species around Australia – the feral cat - remains and will be the subject of renewed efforts in the years to come. We need new ways to combat the feral cat and it is exciting to think that the solution may emerge from our joint efforts in the next few years.
Rabbits are also a serious problem for Australia. They have a destructive effect on native vegetation as well as agriculture. Many, including the Foundation for Rabbit Free Australia (another of our key partners in the quoll reintroduction) hope that the return of
the Western Quoll will help control rabbits in the Flinders Ranges. Rabbit remains have been found in the scats of our reintroduced quolls, proving that quolls kill and eat rabbits, and not just baby rabbits! Demonstrating that a native predator can be part of the future of rabbit control strengthens the case for further quoll reintroductions in other parts of Australia.
Thanks to your support our project is leading the way on many fronts, and I look forward to reporting further developments in the near future.
Cheryl Hill, Editor and CEO
FAMENEWSLETTERis published by the Foundation for Australia’s Most Endangered Species Ltd ABN 79 154 823 579PO Box 482 MITCHAM South Australia 5062Tel: 08 8374 1744 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fame.org.auArticles in this publication can be reproduced with acknowledgement.
Your support can help FAME restore the balance to arid Australia, beginning in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Visit www.fame.org.au
Cane toads are moving southNative to Central and South America, the cane toad has spread throughout northern and tropical Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia since its introduction from Hawaii in 1935, but it now transpires that more southerly locations are not safe from invasion by this destructive feral species.
Cane toads adversely impact native species via predation, competition and poisoning by lethal toxin ingestion and are listed as a ‘key threatening process’ under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Up until now it was thought that low temperatures and high altitudes would provide a natural barrier to slow the toad’s expansion into southern parts of Australia. Unfortunately toads are now found in areas much colder than most of its original range in the Americas.
A study by Rick Shine and his team at the University of Sydney – supported by FAME - has found that rapid acclimatisation to cold temperatures has allowed cane toads to expand their range more easily than predicted.
The study found that toads at the southern edge of their Australian range “can function under cool conditions by adjusting their thermal tolerance within a few hours of encountering low temperatures”.
As a result of this study, predictions of the cane toad’s expansion in Australia will need urgent revision. So too will strategies to slow them down. Photo courtesy Brian Gratwicke
