South Coast Possums- Protection, Resilience and Knowledge (November 2019-June 2023)
Project Value $897,846
Project Partners
Lotterywest, State NRM, our local community, Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, City of Albany, Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, Animal Pest Management Services, University of Western Australia, Water Corporation, Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
Project Location
This project takes in the greater Torbay Catchment which includes the Western part of the town of Albany the Torndirrup Peninsula, extends north to Redmond and west to Lowlands(see Map). It also covers the lower and eastern portion of the Wilson Inlet Catchment extending west to include the town of Denmark. The greater Torbay catchment contains the important coastal macro-corridor, which links West Cape Howe National Park to Torndirrup National Park which allows animal movement across the landscape.
Project background
In 2018, TCG ran 2 small projects, one aimed at learning more about the critically endangered WRP and the other focussing on feral animal control. Through the works we undertook, we now understand that: our catchment is extremely important for the possum in terms of climate, habitat and location; and that feral predators, mainly the fox is in very high numbers in our catchment and where no feral animal control is occurring possum numbers are low. In 2019, TCG secured 3 year funding from State NRM Community Stewardship Program to
• address knowledge gaps through on ground surveys and desktop data analyses;
• reduce feral predators on public and private land through baiting, shooting and trapping;
• identify important north-south landscape linkages to inform strategic revegetation;
• protect critical WRP habitat through installing stock exclusion fencing; and
• raise awareness through a series of different events.
The critical and central theme is to expand the area that has integrated feral animal management, increase knowledge and protect the area that exists for the critically endangered WRP. This project was developed and expanded through Lotterywest funding.
Project Overview
There are 3 stronghold populations for Western Ringtail Possums. They are Busselton, Manjimup and Albany. The Albany population is seen as increasingly important as the risk posed from climate change is far less. Until recently it was not understood that the greater Torbay catchment represents a significant area of the Albany stronghold population. Torbay Catchment Group (TCG) and Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee (WICC) have partnered to continue survey work on public and private land to identify how far west and north the population extends.
The project area extends the successful State NRM project through 12 City of Albany Reserves (exceeding 2500 hectares) as well as;
• address knowledge gaps through on ground surveys and desktop data analyses;
• reduce feral predators on public and private land through baiting, shooting and trapping;
• raise awareness through a series of different events.
Collaboration with our partners will ensure efficient delivery of on-ground works.
The project builds on investments and community good will developed through previous projects. It supports our local communities and extends feral predator control across the coastal macro corridor from our much loved and iconic West Cape Howe National Park (WCHNP), through to Torndirrup National Park. The outcome will be greater knowledge, improved protection and resilience for the WRP population and a better informed community, united in protection efforts.
Project Update
Possum and Pizza Night with Dr Bronte Van Helden April 2023
What’s Happening Possum advertorial Albany Advertiser 18th March 2022
Kinjarling Marsupial Rescue: Basic Wildlife Rescue and Joey Care Workshops Feb 2022
Possum Pizza Night Data Presentation and Night Walk Event Oct 2021
Autumn and Spring camera monitoring, baiting and trapping will commenced February 2020.
Feral Animal Management Workshop 22nd February 2020
Reports
Reporting for the first year of baiting and trapping in West Cape Howe National Park is available West Cape Howe National Park Report (Nov 2019).
Second year report of baiting and trapping in West Cape Howe and City of Albany: West Cape Howe National Park and City of Albany Report (April 2020).
Third year report of baiting and trapping in West Cape Howe and City of Albany: West Cape Howe National Park and City of Albany Report (May 2021)
Reduced western ringtail possum numbers along Dingo Beach Track -observations 2016-2021
Fourth year report of baiting and trapping in West Cape Howe and City of Albany: West Cape Howe National Park and CoA Report – May 2022
Program effectiveness- a short report: Torbay Report on program effectiveness
Final Report June 2023: South Coast Possums- Protection, Resilience & Knowledge
This project is supported by funding from:
