On Saturday, November 23, K2W Link with Fullerton Hadley Landcare hosted a citizen science workshop, Wildlife In Action: The A-Z of Camera-traps, at Kempton Hall, Fullerton, led by ecologists from Southern Inland Environmental.
Participants in the workshop learned skills for wildlife monitoring and conservation, focusing on using wildlife cameras and data recording to contribute to the region’s land management.
Leading the workshop were ecologists Jed Pearson, Janelle Friend, and Yolandi Vermaak, who track and monitor both native and invasive species throughout New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Jed, from Southern Inland Environmental has experience using wildlife cameras on many projects, including work with the Molonglo Conservation Group and Australian River Restoration Centre.
Fifteen participants, including property owners from locations such as Bungendore and the areas bordering Abercrombie National Park, wanted to identify pest species, learn how to set up cameras, attract wildlife, and determine whether rare animals live on their land.
K2W Link ran this event as part of Cores, Corridors and Koalas – a partnership between the Great Eastern Ranges and WWF-Australia to restore and reconnect habitat for forest-dependent native animals.
Nerdia Croker from Fullerton Hadley Landcare said it was a very informative event.
“The attendees seemed to enjoy the talk and actively engaged with the speakers demonstrating the cameras. There was lots of information to guide you in setting up the equipment, and people also shared their experiences. ” said Nerida.
“It was a great knowledge sharing event combined with a social get together over lunch,” she said.
Wildlife monitoring using cameras involves placing a wildlife camera or camera trap and analysing the photos and video recorded. This technique is often used to identify animals and provides crucial data for understanding local biodiversity.
“K2W Link has set up wildlife cameras at properties participating in the voluntary conservation program Land for Wildlife or where landholders are actively engaged in projects to protect native species,” said Clare McCabe from K2W Link.
“Wildlife cameras can help identify which species are present in an area, and this information can guide conservation efforts, helping to protect endangered animals. The team routinely monitors wildlife cameras set up near nest boxes, specifically installed for gliding possums and other native species,” Clare said.
K2W Link is also partnering with NatureMapr, a citizen science platform that collects and stores wildlife observations.
“Participants learned by contributing their findings they support research and inform land management decisions that also help to protect the region’s natural heritage,” said Clare.
