Rock around the clock

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NACC staff were fortunate enough to join a team of more than 50 amateur and professional ecologists  at Wheatbelt NRM’s 2016 BioBlitz at Tarin Rock Reserve last weekend.

Tarin Rock Reserve is about 26km west of Lake Grace, and named after Tarin Rock – the highest point in the region at 429m above sea level.

The BioBlitz weekend involves a 24-hour intensive search aimed at identifying as many species of plant, animal and fungi as possible within the time period. The BioBlitz won’t provide a complete inventory of all of species on the reserve; but rather a “snapshot” of what species were observed in the area at the time. Yet, despite its limited time-frame, the BioBlitzes still turn-up some pretty amazing results.

The 24-hour survey period comprised three main survey sessions: one in the afternoon/early evening of 8 October, and two in the morning of 9 October – beginning and ending the 24-hour survey period at 1 pm.

There were up to six groups for each session, led by experts who specialised in invertebrates, reptiles, eucalypts, flora, mammals and birds. Participants opportunistically collected information on sightings of fauna, or indications of their presence (such as tracks, scats, calls and digs), as well as carrying out the target methodology, or looking for the target species, of their activity.

The full list of species found will be released by Wheatbelt NRM shortly, but one highlight for NACC’s Biodiversity Coordinator Jessica Stingemore was the southern scrub robin.

“We were up early to check to the mammal traps and had eagerly hoped to find a western mouse, because the day before we found evidence that the mice had been in area, as there were dozens of quandong seed with ‘drill’ holes in the seeds,” said Jessica. “However, all the traps were empty! But just as we were about to head home, we heard the distinctive call of the scrub robin.”

“Leigh Whisson from Wheatbelt NRM then mimicked the robin and it cautiously approached the group and called back and forth for about ten minutes. Everyone present was in awe.”

The data obtained during the BioBlitz will provide a useful indicator of environmental quality and serves as a baseline for future monitoring and management of the reserves.

Read about what Wheatbelt NRM had to say about the event and view the picture gallery.

Did You Know?

NACC CEO Richard McLellan initiated the first-ever BioBlitz to be held in Western Australia (possibly even Australia) – at Lake McDermott Reserve, near Bencubbin in the Shire of Mount Marshall, in 2002.

The inaugural BioBlitz was conducted by WWF under its Wheatbelt Woodlands Conservation Project (Woodland Watch). An impressive 284 species were recorded in the reserve during that first Wheatbelt BioBlitz, and you can read the BioBlitz report here.

 

 

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In 2020-21 I talked about ‘raising the bar’. In 2021-22 we worked on setting the bar on fire. Over the last 12 months, the team at NACC NRM has not stopped.

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The conservation outcomes of ranger teams have expanded through work on several land tenures. Maintaining Heritage sites such as Willi Gulli, Racecourse Paddock and Buller River has long been a priority. During 2021-22, the teams have increasingly focused on threatened species and ecosystems.

To this end, Western Mulga rangers have improved management across 19,000 ha for the conservation of Malleefowl through firebreak and access management. They completed the maintenance of water holes and supported the monitoring of over 90 Malleefowl mounds.

Similarly, the Kwelena Mambakort Aboriginal Corporate ranger team have contributed positively to Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo populations by installing artificial hollows and habitat restoration.

All ranger teams have collected native seed, propagated native plants for restoration, and planted native vegetation in key locations across the NAR. Seed collection provides valuable industry experience and has facilitated the planting of over 100,000 seedlings during the year.   

In September 2021, the NACC NRM team delivered the WA Threatened Species Forum, held in tandem with the National Malleefowl Forum. Given the impact of COVID and the timing of this event, having more than 100 delegates from all over Australia was a significant achievement. The two Forums brought together 12 events over five days and featured 14 local artists, 25 businesses and 36 youth participants.

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This planning work links to existing NACC NRM on-ground projects, including Beyond Reasonable Drought and the Chapman Catchment Collaborative regeneration project.

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We also supported on-ground works throughout the region, including at the following locations Yuna, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Merkanooka, Goodlands, Kalannie, Bunjil, Yardarino, Canna, Kondut, Latham, Kadathinni, Nabawa, Red Gully, Sandy Gully, Waddy Forrest, Devils Creek, Perenjori, Bowgada, Ellendale, Wandana, Namban, Hill River, Warradarge, Gillingarra, Regans Ford and Moonyanooka.

Our region is vast – slightly larger than Tasmania, which for comparison, is serviced by three separate NRM organisations. Covering the NAR region and its many environmental threats is challenging. We continue to focus on partnerships and collaboration to address this challenge. We know that by working with our community through passionate delivery of collaborative on-ground projects and education, the community will value and actively protect our region’s natural capital.

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While we have said farewell to some, we have welcomed many new faces across all programs, including our Administration team. We have also hosted a school-based trainee from Nagle Catholic College who has been working towards a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. This trial position has been very successful, and we look forward to making this opportunity available again in 2023.

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