The 2023 Great Australian Wildlife Search
The 2023 Great Australian Wildlife Search
The Central Tablelands Regional Landcare Network, has participated in the Great Australian Wildlife Search, employing advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to provide a comprehensive view of local biodiversity.
Community Participation -
LEP23-035_RLC-01
The issue
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority faced a significant challenge in assessing biodiversity across Australia's largest river system, the Murray-Darling Basin, which spans 1 million km² across five states and territories and comprises multiple river catchments. Traditional biodiversity monitoring methods were inadequate for such an extensive and diverse area. To address this, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority sought the help of citizen scientists. Volunteers and local Landcare networks in the Central Tablelands rose to the challenge, providing crucial support in collecting and analyzing biodiversity data through innovative methods. There was a pressing need for an efficient and precise method to detect and monitor both native and invasive species across diverse waterway sites. This effort not only aids in the conservation of threatened species like the platypus and Murray-River short-necked turtle but also helps manage invasive species that threaten local biodiversity.
The solution
To address the challenge of monitoring biodiversity in the vast Murray-Darling Basin, the Great Australian Wildlife Search was launched, evolving from the Great Australian Platypus Search 2021. Supported by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and in partnership with La Trobe University, this initiative utilized innovative environmental DNA (eDNA) technology. Citizen scientists, including volunteers from local Landcare networks, collected water samples from 18 designated sites across the Central Tablelands. Each site provided two water samples, which were analyzed to detect DNA traces of various wildlife. This efficient method allowed for accurate identification of species present in the waterways. The resources for this project, including sampling kits and analytical support, were funded by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, facilitating comprehensive data collection and enhancing local conservation efforts.
The impact
The Great Australian Wildlife Search significantly enhanced local biodiversity understanding and conservation efforts in the Central Tablelands. By utilizing eDNA technology, the project detected the presence of platypus at four locations and the rakali at one site. In total, 29 unique native species, including fish, turtles, frogs, waterbirds, bats, and marsupials, were identified. Additionally, the detection of invasive species, particularly the European carp, highlighted areas requiring urgent management. This prompted community-driven initiatives, such as 'Carp Blitzes,' to address these threats. Overall, the project underscored the importance of community and landholder involvement in sustaining regional ecosystems and provided valuable data to inform targeted environmental improvements and policy-making.
Key facts
- 18 sites surveyed across the Central Tablelands
- Detection of platypus at four locations
- Rakali observed at one location
- 29 unique native species identified
- Significant presence of invasive species, particularly European carp