A new program launched by the Cape to Cape Catchments Group (CCG) aims to reduce threats and help iconic South West species flourish in often difficult circumstances.
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Announced last week to coincide with National Threatened Species Day, the program focuses on the critically endangered Margaret River Hairy Marron, the endangered Western Ringtail Possum, threatened Black Cockatoos and a number of native fish species found in regional waterways.
Chair of the CCG Boyd Wykes said the program was centred around citizen science programs, partnering with management agencies and university research departments and that community participation was a key factor in the success of the program.
“Community involvement is vital if we are to keep tabs on the surviving populations of these species, raise awareness of their status and take action to improve their chances of survival,” Dr Wykes said.
“The Cape to Cape Catchments Group has worked with researchers at the Department of Fisheries for many years on conserving the hairy marron.
“Our continued on-ground conservation action is helping maintain populations in the Margaret River while Fisheries continues research and a captive breeding program that we hope will be the basis for long-term survival of this iconic Margaret River species”, said Dr Wykes.
Funding from the State’s Natural Resource Management Program has recently provided capability to the group to expand its citizen science program to help conserve other endangered species in the region.
“The first step in all these programs is to find out about distribution, habitat requirements and the threats faced by these declining species’, said Dr Wykes.
Department of Fisheries scientist Rodney Duffy said research indicated there were probably only around 1000 hairy marron left in the wild.
“We now have more than 400 hairy marron in captivity, but they don’t breed as easily as smooth marron, so we have more to learn in this process, “Dr Duffy said.
“There has been very strong participation in the South West by catchment groups and community members for the work being done to prevent their extinction,” he said.
Dr Duffy echoed Dr Wykes sentiments that the survival of the threatened species relied heavily on community involvement.
“Building our knowledge about this species and working with the community is very important in the process.”
To find out more and to get involved in conservation efforts in the region visit www.capetocape.org.au or call 9757 2202.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
