Australian Wildlife Conservancy News

Welcome to the latest e-news from AWC, with brief field updates from our sanctuaries around Australia.
AWC now manages almost 4 million hectares, the largest non-government estate in Australia. With almost 80% of our staff in the field, we are delivering practical and effective conservation for some of the largest remaining populations of many endangered species including Numbats, Bilbies, Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens and more. As you will read below, we are breaking new ground in a whole range of projects as we strive to deliver the best possible ecological return on your support (investment).

Australia's largest private fire management program

As the wet season in northern Australia draws to a close, AWC field staff have started delivering Australia's largest private fire management program. In the Kimberley alone, AWC staff will fly more than 20,000 kilometres in helicopters, dropping aerial incendiaries across 3.5 million hectares to create cool burns that break up the country, reducing the risk of late season fires. Working in partnership with indigenous communities, pastoral landholders, Defence and other government agencies, our award winning fire program is protecting endangered species such as the Gouldian Finch and the Golden-backed Tree-rat as well as reducing carbon emissions. To watch a short video clip, filmed from a drone, of our 2017 Kimberley prescribed burns, click on the video below.

Numbat and Bilby populations on the rise

At Scotia in western NSW, AWC ecologists have recently completed our regular survey of endangered mammal populations. The data from these surveys will generate population estimates for species such as the Burrowing Bettong and the Brush-tailed Bettong. Data from a recent Numbat survey indicates that Scotia now supports around 400 Numbats. With additional populations at Yookamurra and Mt Gibson, AWC is protecting more than 30% of the entire Numbat population. AWC's Bilby populations are also on the rise, with an increase in the Yookamurra population and the establishment of a new population at Mt Gibson. Watch the video below to see a number of Numbats being released at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary recently, following routine health checks.

Sir David Attenborough and Tim Flannery discuss AWC's achievements

In February this year, AWC hosted a very special event in London, featuring Sir David Attenborough and Tim Flannery discussing conservation in Australia and the important role of AWC. Click below for a sneak preview ... and stay tuned for a vidcast of the event coming soon.

The world's largest feral cat eradication project underway

Construction of Australia's longest feral cat-proof fence will formally start in the last week of April, with a Warlpiri traditional owner team engaged to establish the fenceline at Newhaven. This globally significant project will deliver a substantial increase in the population of at least 10 nationally threatened mammals and will double the Australian population of at least six species. The Newhaven Warlpiri Rangers will spearhead our feral cat eradication strategy (they removed 11 feral cats in a week recently!). Materials for the fence will be sourced through a supplier in Alice Springs, highlighting our commitment to the local communities in which we operate.

Newhaven Warlpiri Ranger, Duncan Jungala Gallagher

The first stage involves establishing a feral cat-free area of 9,450 hectares. We need your help: every contribution of $200 will support the establishment of around 1 hectare of feral cat-free habitat for Mala, Golden Bandicoot and other endangered mammals. You can make a tax deductible donation here or download a detailed description of the project here. The project is supported by the Australian Government and the NT Government through the National Landcare Program.

Mala

AWC and NSW National Parks Service deliver major biological survey at Mallee Cliffs

As part of a historic partnership with the NSW Government, AWC has been contracted to deliver conservation services, including the reintroduction of regionally extinct mammals, in the Pilliga and at Mallee Cliffs National Park. At Mallee Cliffs, AWC ecologists and local National Parks and Wildlife Service staff have recently completed a major biological survey including 58 sites spread across key habitats in the 58,000 hectare national park, which is located 30 kilometres east of Mildura. The survey involved more than 11,000 trap nights. Over 35 species of reptiles were recorded including the endangered Mallee Worm-lizard. Another highlight was several captures of the threatened Western Pygmy Possum.

Western Pygmy Possum

Ground-breaking partnership with Australian Capital Equity

A ground-breaking partnership between AWC and the Kerry Stokes-owned Australian Capital Equity (ACE) is set to deliver a win for conservation and the regional economy in Australia's remote Kimberley region. The deal will involve ACE improving the sustainability of the cattle operation that must be maintained on Charnley River under pastoral legislation through a reduction in herd size and fencing off key river systems. The deal was reported by the ABC and The West Australian. Read the full story here.

Thank you for your support, which is vitally important in ensuring AWC continues to get boots on the ground to deliver effective conservation in remote places like the Kimberley, Lake Eyre and the Top End. Every donation makes a difference where it really counts - in the field!

Yours sincerely

Atticus Fleming
Chief Executive

Help us to establish the largest feral predator-free area on mainland Australia at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary

Not only will the Newhaven project deliver a substantial increase in the population of at least 10 nationally threatened mammals, as well as doubling the Australian population of at least six species, it will also benefit threatened reptiles such as the Great Desert Skink, small mammals such as Brush-tailed Mulgara and ground-dwelling birds such as the Dusky Grasswren (pictured above).

This project can only happen with your support. Please donate to the Newhaven Endangered Wildlife Restoration Project to help save Australia's most endangered wildlife.

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