Partnership combines traditional practices & modern science to save endangered turtles
High intensity bushfires around Deepwater National Park, south of Agnes Waters in Queensland last year, have this year created an inviting environment for red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).
Southern Queensland Landscapes Senior Project Manager, Tom Garrett said the clearing of undergrowth has made it easier for foxes to hunt small lizards and birds; and ultimately turned the area into a favourite hunting place for predators including foxes, wild cats (Felis cactus) and dogs (Canis lupus).
“As more foxes and other predators move into the area and increase pressure on food resources , the foxes begin to disperse and it doesn’t take too long for them to find the Marine turtle nests,” Tom Garrett said.
Port Curtis Coral Coast country includes beaches and islands that are some of the most important marine turtle nesting sites in Queensland, supporting significant breeding populations of the endangered loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), the vulnerable green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the vulnerable flatback turtle (Natator depressus).
Tom and conservation detector dog Rocky, have been working with the Gidarjil Bundaberg Land and Sea Rangers for about six years now helping identify, map and control pests in the Port Curtis Coral Coast Native Title region.
The Gidarjil Rangers look after the area totaling 46,000km2 (22,000km2 land & 26,000km2 sea); and caring for Country and protecting threatened species is their focus, combining traditional knowledge, practices and Lore with western science to do so.
“Rocky will find an active den and then the Gidarjil Rangers will go in and have a look at the site and decide how to coordinate control efforts,” Mr Garrett said.
“My aim is to empower the Gidarjil Rangers to make the commercial pest work in the region their own,” he said.
Gidarjil Sea Ranger Coordinator, Saranne Giudice said Tom has been training the Sea Rangers to undertake innovative and strategic control activities.
“This includes fox den detection with conservation detector dog ‘Rocky’, fox den mapping, fumigation and the implementation of any other appropriate control methods,” Saranne Giudice said.
“The aim of the joint project is to support the survival and recovery of marine turtle clutches and hatchlings by reducing predation by the introduced red fox,” Ms Giudice said.
“The rangers are really proud to be undertaking this project with Tom, Rocky and SQ Landscapes to reduce the pressure on endangered marine turtle clutches and other native species in the Port Curtis Coral Coast Native Title area,” she said.
While Tom is the teacher, he said he is always learning.
“I’ve learnt heaps from the Gidarjil Rangers. They share their traditional knowledge with me. We have conversations about cultural burning, native animals in the landscape and their stories and totems. I’ve learned through stories about how they are attached to land and sea,” Tom Garrett explained.
“The relationship I have with the Gidarjil Rangers is great; they keep in close contact with me for advice and mentoring in pest management and our combined work has helped the group secure a commercial contract this year with the Bundaberg Regional Council, which is fantastic,” Mr Garrett said.
“And for me, I take a lot of the knowledge about Country the Gidarjil Rangers have taught me and apply it to other projects throughout the Southern Queensland Landscapes region. It really is a very symbiotic relationship that we have developed, and combined it truly drives flourishing landscapes,” he said.
LEARN MORE:
https://www.gidarjil.com.au/
This project is funded through the Australian Governments Bushfire Recovery for Wildlife and Habitat Community Grants Program.
Marine turtle eggs destroyed by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) along the beach.
Senior Project Officer Tom Garrett and conservation detector dog Rocky near Deepwater National Park.
Senior Project Officer Tom Garrett works with the Gidarjil Bundaberg Land and Sea Rangers using technology to track Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
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