3–16 December 2008
Location: Lorna Glen (named Matuwa by the traditional owners), 1,100 km north-east of Perth
Perth Zoo Field Worker: Cathy Lambert (Senior Keeper Native Species Breeding Program)
Goals
Lorna Glen.
Australia has had more mammals become extinct over the past 200 years than any other continent, with arid regions affected the most. Operation Rangelands Restoration, an initiative of the DEC, seeks to rehabilitate the ex-pastoral lease of Lorna Glen and reintroduce 11 mammal species native to the area by 2020. The project includes controlling feral species and monitoring the released native animals through radio tracking and trapping to determine their progress.
Perth Zoo has sent keepers to assist with the development of Lorna Glen on several occasions. In this instance, I returned as a volunteer because I really enjoyed my first experience, am passionate about conservation and believe in the importance of this project.
Initially, only Bilbies and Brushtail Possums are being reintroduced because they are best adapted to coping with small numbers of feral predators. The project will progress to other species such as Numbats, Chuditch and bandicoots if they do well.
Highlights
Bilby.
The homestead where we were based is located at the side of a creekline, which means the tall river red gums provide shade and luscious vegetation that attracts many different mammal, reptile and bird species. At the end of a hot day, there is nothing like relaxing with a cold drink, discussing the day’s events while being immersed in the wildlife.
Yellow-spotted Monitors were constant visitors – we even had the rare opportunity of watching a pair mate. I also had a Yellow-spotted Monitor, a possum and a few bats visit me inside the homestead building, although they were quick to depart when they realised they weren’t alone.
Challenges
Cathy about to release a Bilby.
The heat was the main thing – most days hovered around 40°C. There are bugs everywhere too. I slept with a mosquito net because I prefer to have my sleeping bag free of wildlife, though some people bravely slept on the veranda without protection. I even used a mozzie net when I was doing computer and office work!
You also have to keep your eyes open, carry a torch and wear shoes at night, and be wary of Stimson’s Pythons wrapping themselves around the toilet cistern (though that’s part of the charm of this area).
Our objective was to get a location on each radio-collared animal every day, which might involve walking for a kilometre or two or driving along tracks and putting the radio-mast up on the back of the ute to see how close to the signal we were. This can prove difficult if they move longer distances, so occasionally a plane would be called in to locate them from the air.
This process is especially important if one of the animals has died. The transmitted signal changes if the collar has been still for a long period of time. When we find a dead animal we have to try and work out why it died – perhaps from environmental factors, or native or feral predators.
Our ‘forensic’ efforts included taking photos, investigating stomach contents, looking for footprints, scratch marks on the body and predator attack patterns. Ascertaining cause of death helps the DEC determine and address the problems that may be associated with reintroducing native species.
Benefits
It’s great to do hands on in situ (on location) work beyond the Zoo grounds because it extends my knowledge and ability to do my job well. I can apply my improved understanding of native species behaviours acquired at Lorna Glen to better simulate natural habitat and meet the husbandry needs of species at the Zoo.
It’s very satisfying when you can see the progress of the reintroduced animals and know you’re making a direct contribution to conservation.
Other Notes
Restoring the biodiversity and the ecology of this vibrant, idyllic area is an important step in conservation. Caretakers appointed by the DEC look after Lorna Glen year round by erecting fences, controlling camels and getting involved in cat baiting programs.
The DEC pays for the travel, accommodation and food of volunteers so there are no ‘out of pocket’ expenses for any of us. Lorna Glen is also open to public camping, so you can see this unique part of Australia and some of the quirky wildlife that resides here for yourself.
