What inspires you about your job?
I am passionate about Australian wildlife. I far prefer working with indigenous species rather than with exotics. There is just so much to learn right here on our doorstep and that’s what inspires me.
Why is nature conservation so important to you?
Australia has one of the highest mammal extinction rates in the world. The extinction of the Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) is an example of too little too late. I don’t want the next generation to feel resentment towards our generation for not taking action to save species from extinction.
What has been your biggest achievement in nature conservation?
I’ve been involved with a recovery project for the near-extinct Western Ground Parrot, which has been very rewarding. I have also done a lot of work in the development of successful captive breeding methods for the Short-beaked Echidna which is notoriously difficult to breed. Ultimately, I would like to see this work contribute to the conservation of the critically endangered Long-beaked Echidnas of New Guinea.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Radio tracking a critically endangered Western Ground Parrot in Cape Arid National Park and then finding out that it had been eaten by a predator.
Why are you particularly interested in the echidna?
Echidnas are an iconic and intriguing species yet there is still so much we don’t know about them. They have adapted to living in all Australian environments from low lying areas near the sea to arid regions and snow covered peaks in the highlands. They have the ability to enter torpor and reproduce by laying an egg. In the nursery burrow, a puggle (young echnida) can go five days between feeds from its mother.
What is your most memorable experience of the echidna?
Pouch checking our female echidna in 2007 and discovering a puggle in her pouch – this is something I will never forget.
How does working for Perth Zoo help you achieve your own conservation aims?
Through Perth Zoo I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the rarest animals on the planet. I have been involved with the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise, Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat and Western Ground Parrot .
Working at the Zoo also allows me to raise awareness and talk to people about the incredible biodiversity of our region. We have some of the most unique plants and animals on the planet. The native animals and plants once common on the Swan coastal plain around Perth are under increasing pressure. I would like to see people developing more wildlife friendly native gardens to allow wildlife to coexist in urban areas.
Why, in your view, is Perth Zoo’s job so important?
Perth Zoo is a popular WA icon that attracts over 630,000 visitors every year. We provide an important service to the community and inspire people to take an active role in wildlife conservation. I think the Zoo provides people with a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world.
Along with donating to or fundraising for Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action program, what can individuals do to help the nature conservation cause?
Small changes starting at home will make a big difference to wildlife in the future. Reduce, reuse and recycle will ultimately have a big impact. Plant local native plants and talk to people about what you are doing, learn about the wildlife in your region and become familiar with the threats they are facing.
How can individuals get involved?
Start now. Jump onto the Perth Zoo website and search Google to find out what’s happening in your area. Try Friends of the Western Ground Parrot, Birds Australia, the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the Department of Environment and Conservation, for a start.
If you want to get involved in conservation, learn how Perth Zoo can help. Visit www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/Act
Find out more about the conservation organisations which our featured staff support.
Photos courtesy of Phil England, Dan Scarparolo and Arthur.
