Conference Program

Population genetic diversity, structure and relatedness of the cryptic Pilbara Olive Python, Liasis olivaceus sub sp. barroni in the Pilbara, Western Australia

Zoë Hamilton, Helix Molecular Solutions 

Co-Authors:
Joshua Keen, Biota Environmental Sciences
Roy Teale, Biota Environmental Sciences / Murdoch University
Nathan Beerkens, Biota Environmental Sciences / Murdoch University
PBS Spencer, Biota Environmental Sciences
Sam Oldfield, Biota Environmental Sciences
Stewart Ford, Biota Environmental Sciences|
Melanie McGellin, Biota Environmental Sciences
T.S. Oldfield, Biota Environmental Sciences
Yvette Hitchen, Helix Molecular Solution
Serina McConnell, Helix Molecular Solutions

The Pilbara Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus barroni, POP) is a large, threatened snake restricted to the Pilbara and northern Ashburton regions of Western Australia (Pearson et al., 2013). It is listed as “Vulnerable” at a State and Federal level. Recent genetic studies support its elevation to full species status, pending morphological review.

Due to its conservation status and specific habitat requirements, POP is frequently a focal species in environmental impact assessments (EIA) across the Pilbara and is often subject to mandated monitoring.  However, it is a challenging species to effectively monitor in a statistically robust framework because of the difficulty in obtaining sufficient individuals to detect trends relative to putative impacts.  Therefore, most monitoring programs have resorted to finding evidence of persistence (or occupancy) in impacted areas between annual monitoring events.

Since 2021, a collaborative project involving Helix Molecular Solutions, Biota Environmental Sciences, BHP, Murdoch University (PhD candidate Joshua Keen), and other mining partners has expanded on traditional POP monitoring approaches. A key component assesses population genetic health via molecular diversity, structure, and relatedness across the Pilbara.

Using 30 microsatellite loci, 94 individuals were genotyped from field-collected scale clippings, carcasses, and sloughs. These data, paired with field records, reveal previously undocumented genetic diversity, gene flow, and differentiation among subpopulations. Genetic structuring supports three primary subpopulations, with evidence of dispersal between them.

Relatedness analyses have identified first- and second-order kin relationships, highlighting individuals with disproportionate genetic influence, valuable for understanding connectivity and informing conservation management.

WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program Symposium

Luke Twomey, The Western Australian Marine Science Institution & Patrick Seares, Westport

Co-Authors:
Cameron Dodd, University of Western Australia
Shelby Middleton, Edith Cowan University
Jake Newman-Martin, Curtin University
Linette Umbrello, Western Australian Museum

The WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program is the largest and most comprehensive marine research initiative undertaken in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. In this talk, Dr Luke Twomey, CEO of the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), and Patrick Seares, Managing Director of Westport, will discuss its structure, key outcomes, and important legacy.

The program comprises 32 projects under nine interconnected themes – benthic habitats, fisheries and aquatic resources, sediment and water quality, coastal processes, hydrodynamics, apex predators, underwater noise, and social values. Central to the program is Theme 1: Ecosystem Modelling and Integration, which turns outputs from all other themes into predictive tools and conceptual models to support port design and environmental assessment. More than 150 researchers have produced a huge body of scientific knowledge, including baseline environmental data, ecological thresholds, and recommendations for mitigation and restoration. These outputs are influencing Westport’s planning and approvals process.

This joint presentation will highlight how the program’s collaborative and integrated structure has created a model for transparent, science-informed infrastructure development. The legacy of the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program lies in its role as a catalyst for long-term stewardship of Cockburn Sound’s natural and cultural values.

Beyond Production: Building a conservation estate on marginal farmland at Boorokup (Bore’ra’cup)

Justin Jonson, Threshold Environmental Pty Ltd

Co-Author:
Imelda Lagarde, Visayas State University Alangalang

The broadacre agricultural production landscapes of southwest WA produce over AUD$5B annually in the export of wheat, barley, canola and sheep. This wealth has come at a cost to the environment and native ecosystems, where more than 70% have been cleared, 10% are affected by salinity, and the remaining remnant ecosystems are fragmented and subject to ongoing degradation. In order to make some effort to offset the negative externalities of production, meaningful investment in nature positive land-use change is required.         

Boorokup (Bore’ra’cup) is a 358-ha property located on the Gordon River in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The property was purchased for the primary objective of undertaking whole-of-site ecological restoration to establish a conservation estate. The Boorokup Restoration Project demonstrates how marginal farmland can be restored to a more valuable nature-based land-use and make a net positive contribution to the environment and conservation of biodiversity.    

Presented here are some of the steps taken to purchase, plan, and implement a whole-of-site ecological restoration and ERF project for conservation objectives. This will include a focus on the technical aspects of the restoration planning and delivery when operating at scale.  

Every new restoration site presents its own unique character and value proposition. Here we share how Boorokup’s 4.2 kilometres of Gordon River frontage, connection to an ancient drainage salt-lake system, old-growth remnant trees, dune systems, and landscape position connecting large remnant vegetation define this project as being high in conservation value and worthy of restoration.

Spot the difference: Translocated Chuditch restored to the WA Wheatbelt

Sophia Callander, Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Co-Authors:
Robin Sinclair, AWC
Georgina Anderson, University of Tasmania
Aliesha Dodson, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Aaron Jacks, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Louis O’Neill, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Amanda Bourne, Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Over the past two years, 83 Chuditch (or Western Quoll, Dasyurus geoffroii) have been translocated to Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, on Badimia Country on the eastern edge of the WA wheatbelt. Forty-three of the translocated individuals were fitted with VHF collars and radio-tracked after release. While some individuals dispersed across the wider property and onto neighbouring lands (all managed for conservation), a high portion of the radio-tracked Chuditch have established within or near the release area on sanctuary. All Chuditch were released outside the fenced safe-haven area into an environment where cats and foxes are managed, but present. Extensive camera arrays are used to monitor Chuditch post-release and feral predator activity in response to feral animal control, including Eradicat baiting and cat trapping. In addition, we are trialing the individual identification of Chuditch and cats, based on spot patterns and pelage characteristics recorded on remote cameras to estimate population densities. Together with trapping new, Mt Gibson born Chuditch, individual identification of new individuals from camera images has provided evidence of successful recruitment of Chuditch following translocation with at least 13 Chuditch born on site. To date, the translocation has met short-term success criteria and is on track to meet medium-term success criteria, contributing to positive management outcomes for a vulnerable species in Australia.?

Shared analytics to support a nature positive transition in a multi-stakeholder coastal environment: progress and challenges

Matthew Hipsey, The University of Western Australia

Co-Authors:
Brendan Busch, The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
Chris Gentle, The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute
Luke Twomey, The Western Australian Marine Science Institute

Predictive ecosystem models for guiding assessment of aquatic environments have become a cornerstone for adaptative management, however, in settings with diverse users and stressors, it nonetheless remains challenging to compute the cumulative impacts that they face, and to build a shared vision for restoration actions that can be adopted to build resilience.  In this presentation, we describe our recent efforts to develop a prototype for a shared analytics “facility”, which is seeking to integrate diverse data and modelling tools associated with a complex coastal ecosystem (Cockburn Sound, Western Australia). The purpose is to support the ecosystem stewardship activities of both development proponents and environmental regulators.

The core of the platform is a 3D hydrodynamic-ecological model which is nested within regional met-ocean predictions and integrated with a suite of other environmental models. To build trust in the predictions it has been validated against a hierarchy of ecosystem metrics by utilising a 50-year compilation of curated public and private data associated with water and sediment quality, and benthic habitats. 

For a common approach to be used for both impact assessment and restoration planning, the modelling and data analytics is coordinated by a novel cloud-based platform based around secure “landing zones” for private or shared analytics using the common toolset. In building the modelling tools, capability has been included to be able to accommodate the full portfolio of activities occurring within the ecosystem – both impacts (dredging, shipping, discharges, etc.) and restoration (replanting, regenerative aquaculture, etc.). These activities are included as modifiers to the ecosystem and can be “stacked” to quantify regional-scale cumulative changes. Current challenges will be discussed related to how the platform could be used to quantify the benefits of restoration proposals and guide investment.

Ecosystem science and tools for assessing nature related impacts, risks and dependencies

Tina Parkhurst, The University of Melbourne

Co-Author:
Emily Nicholson, The University of Melbourne

The twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are putting peoples well-being and the economy at risk. With more than half of global economic outputs relying on nature, there is increasing demand for the private sector to understand and manage biodiversity impacts and nature-related risks and dependencies. Addressing this double materiality of both impacts and reliance on nature is crucial. Ecological risks, including risks of species extinction and ecosystem degradation and collapse, must be managed to avoid commercial risks to individual companies and the broader economy, including physical, transitional and systemic risks.

Several private sector-led frameworks assist corporations to measure and disclose their nature-related impacts, dependencies and risks. Current nature metrics are predominantly based on global species metrics or broad provision of ecosystem services. These are inadequate to understand and quantify impacts, or the link between ecological and commercial risks, because they do not account for the diversity of ecosystem types and their functions that underpin the benefits they provide.

Here we present an ecosystem-focussed approach informed by global ecosystem standards that are recommended for use in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and in corporate nature risk and disclosure frameworks such as the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). The approach can support companies to meet disclosure standards, screen impacts, assess nature risk and dependencies, and evaluate conservation actions leading to ecosystem recovery. This provides opportunities for strategic planning of nature positive business investments across sectors in line with global biodiversity goals.

Northern quolls show resilience to moderate fire regime in the absence of introduced predators

Natasha Harrison, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Judy Dunlop, Curtin University
Harry Moore, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions
Alicia Whittington, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions
Pedro Palheiro, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions
Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation
Lesley Gibson, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions

Fire regimes have been altered substantially in contemporary times, often having considerable negative impacts on fauna. Understanding how populations respond to fire, as well as interacting threats, is critical to developing strategic conservation management programs. The main negative impacts of fire on northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus; a Dasyurid predator) are thought to be the destruction of resources and increase in predation pressure often associated with fire. Disentangling the relative impact of fire requires investigation of these phenomenon in isolation. In this observational study, we explore eight years of northern quoll population monitoring on Dolphin Island, in north-west Western Australia, as well as that of common rock rats (Zyzomys argurus), a popular prey item. Dolphin Island comprises undisturbed northern quoll habitat that is free from invasive herbivores and predators. During the study, a large wildfire burnt the majority of the island, providing the unique opportunity to examine population responses to fire in the absence of other key threatening processes (such as habitat degradation and predation by invasive species). There were no differences in northern quoll body condition, sex ratios, or female survival estimates before and after the fire. Local northern quoll abundance estimates six months after the fire were almost twice as high compared to those from six months before. Rock rat capture rates declined substantially after the fire, hinting at possible increased predation by quolls. Taken together, these findings suggest that northern quolls may be resilient to fire when other threatening processes are abated. Further experimental interrogation is required to determine whether these relationships are correlative or causative, and to refine a fire regime suitable for northern quolls. We suggest that control of invasive predators and protection of critical habitat in fire-prone areas will likely promote northern quoll persistence.

Overcoming barriers to seagrass restoration

Raphael Clement, Edith Cowan University

Co-Authors:
Kathryn McMahon, Edith Cowan University
Milena Fernandes, SA Water
Sam Gaylard, EPA SA

Seagrass meadows provide vital ecosystem services and functions, have suffered widespread declines and require active restoration. Ecological restoration practices are rapidly evolving but successful stories at relevant scales are relatively rare. In South Australia, a remarkable natural recovery was recently identified, with the potential to provide valuable insights to improve large-scale restoration success. Over the past two decades, more than 11,000ha of Posidonia meadows naturally recoloniseda unique scale never witnessed before. This study combines genomic tools and numerical simulations to investigate the roles of clonal and vegetative reproduction in this recovery process. Initial field surveys identified Posidonia sinuosa and Posidonia angustifolia as the main leaders of the recovery, despite their very slow growing capacities. Preliminary genetic and modelling results suggest that the recovery process varied by species with P. sinuosa, which prefers calmer waters, dominating the sheltered northern region, and the more wave-resistant P. angustifolia thriving in more exposed southern areas. These findings indicate that hydrodynamic characteristics were important for recovery success. Ongoing genetic analyses aim to clarify the mechanisms underpinning recovery specifically, the relative contributions of clonal spread versus recruitment from distant sources. This work will also help identify potential source populations and provide critical insights into the conditions that enable large-scale natural recovery. Ultimately, these findings will support the development of more effective, scalable, and nature-based seagrass restoration practices across Australia and beyond.

A Natural Advantage how businesses are reshaping to integrate nature (a Deloitte case study)

Tracey Hassell, Deloitte

Co-Author:
Celia Hayes, Deloitte
Megan Graham, Deloitte

The relationship between the corporate world and the natural world is slowly being redefined. Where business used to see the front door as a boundary line for responsibility, entities around the world are now tackling, and having to report on, their relationship with nature.

With this connection made and understood at the executive and board level, many businesses are coming to the realisation that their business model either can integrate nature in its existing form or needs to shift and reshape to do so. Examples of this are appearing globally: banks are defining their own metrics on biodiversity loss and ecosystem recovery, farmers are re-wilding strategically into their crop systems and architects are designing around nature, not through or over it.

Deloitte is also evolving its relationship with the natural environment through a series of biodiverse carbon projects in New South Wales and Victoria. In 2022, we set out to see if we could both drawdown emissions and regenerate landscapes ourselves, for the primary purpose of generating high quality Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). Today we have a forest manager running our program to deliver on emissions goals, but also biodiversity co-benefits and commercial outcomes.

As a company whose value lies in people, technology and information, it has been a significant learning journey for Deloitte to incorporate both ownership of land and land regeneration activities as part of business as usual. There are lessons to share on the challenges and commercial realities which we have experienced, but also note that the level of engagement and understanding of our natural environment, generated by even a small tweak to our business model, is a positive signal amidst both increasing biodiversity loss as well as ESG politicisation.

Integrating nature into business is not simple, but business models are beginning to change it is hoped that discussing lessons from a lived example may support others with this shift.

Leveraging machine learning to examine groundwater dependent trees and waterbodies in the Pilbara, Western Australia

Jasmine Muir, FrontierSI

Co-Authors:
Claire Fisk, FrontierSI
James Leversha, FrontierSI
Madeleine Seehaber, FrontierSI
Tharani Gopalakrishnan, FrontierSI
Lachlan Hurst, FrontierSI
Paula Fievez, FrontierSI

Mining operations must actively monitor and manage their environmental impacts, particularly the effects of mine dewatering on groundwater-dependent vegetation (GDV). Dewatering, which lowers the water table to access mineral deposits, can adversely affect native vegetation reliant on stable groundwater access. While ground-based vegetation surveys are a regulatory requirement, typically conducted every six to twelve months, they are time-consuming, costly, limited in spatial coverage, and difficult to repeat frequently. This creates a need for scalable, efficient monitoring solutions.

To address this challenge, the ENVestigator toolkit has been developed as an ESRI ArcGIS Pro plug-in, providing a suite of Earth observation (EO) based tools designed to detect and monitor GDV and associated environmental features, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The tools harness large archives of satellite imagery and advanced machine learning to deliver multiple lines of evidence for GDV health and distribution. Key functionalities include rapid GDV mapping, near real-time monitoring of vegetation change, and trend detection across broad spatial and temporal scales.

Recent updates introduce a ‘Waterbodies Mapping Tool’, which applies machine learning to Sentinel-2 and WorldView-3 imagery combined with terrain data to identify and track open surface water occurrence and persistence. Outputs include binary water presence maps, frequency layers, and temporal extent graphs, providing valuable insight into hydrological changes within mining landscapes. These capabilities complement vegetation monitoring, enabling early detection of environmental change, prioritisation of site visits, and support for remote decision-making.

Overall, ENVestigator enhances environmental compliance, supports the protection of sensitive ecosystems, and strengthens biodiversity outcomes across remote mining operations.

This presentation will showcase how new ENVestigator tools, including updates to the GDV monitoring tools and waterbodies mapping, are improving environmental management by enabling faster and more effective responses to mining impacts.

Artificial light intensity thresholds for dispersing sea turtle hatchlings

Daniel Gomez Isaza, Australian Institute of Marine Science

Co-Authors:
Ross Jones, Australian Institute of Marine Science
Phillipa Wilson, Australian Institute of Marine Science
Kellie Pendoley, Pendoley Environmental
Michele Thums, Australian Institute of Marine Science

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a rapidly expanding pollutant in coastal habitats that can disrupt sea turtle hatchling dispersal, increasing the chance of mortality from dehydration, exhaustion, or predation. While much information exists on light wavelength, there is a paucity of data on light intensities that may limit the disruption to hatchling dispersal. However, artificial light is not homogeneous; different lighting systems, such as light emitting diodes (LED) and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, generate light of different spectral quality. Sea turtle nesting sites can be exposed to individual light spectra or a complex mosaic of light spectra in the nighttime environment. This research aimed to identify behavioural dose-response curves for sea turtle hatchlings exposed to individual lighting types (warm LED and cold LED), and the combined spectra of ALAN measured in a region where there are turtle rookeries. Newly hatched green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were exposed to varying light intensities in a Y-maze choice experiment to develop dose-response relationship to light treatments. Our results allow us to estimate levels of ALAN, including light spectrum and intensity, that could result in reduced impact to sea turtle hatchling dispersal. The findings of this research are important to inform risk assessments and developing guidance for industry, coastal developers, and natural resource management authorities to mitigate the threat posed by ALAN on these threatened species during their vulnerable early-life dispersal.

High-integrity nature credit markets delivering measurable environmental outcomes

Amy Basnett, Eco-Markets Australia

The urgency to protect and restore nature has never been more pressing, yet an estimated $700 billion annual funding gap threatens our ability to meet global biodiversity and climate targets. While government investment remains vital, scaling up private sector capital is crucial to integrating nature into mainstream financial decision-making. Nature credit markets are emerging as a key solution, offering transparent, outcomes-based mechanisms that incentivise landholders for actions that improve biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem health. Success in these markets depends on integrity, trust, and independent oversight.

This session will explore the fundamentals of a high-integrity nature credit market, drawing on Eco-Markets Australia’s (EMA) five years of experience administering the Reef Credits Program. We will showcase how market-driven approaches can deliver measurable environmental outcomes. We will also highlight the need to expand nature credit markets, including EMAs development of a national catchment water improvement credit market aimed at restoring and protecting Australia’s freshwater and marine ecosystems, and Cassowary Credits Biodiversity Market, which supports rainforest restoration in the Wet Tropics.

Additionally, we will examine the potential of stacking Reef and Cassowary Credits alongside Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) projects, in collaboration with the Clean Energy Regulator, to provide landholders with diversified revenue streams while ensuring additionality and enhanced environmental outcomes. A critical focus will be enhancing Indigenous participation in nature markets, integrating traditional ecological knowledge to strengthen both environmental and cultural outcomes.

This session will demonstrate how nature credit markets are a powerful tool in advancing a nature-positive future, offering scalable solutions that drive environmental restoration, support biodiversity, and empower communities.

A modern stocktake of a not-so-common possum: Recent and unpublished records of the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) in arid north-west Western Australia

Hannah Anderson, Biologic Environmental Survey

Co-Authors:
Judy Dunlop, Curtin University
Jeff Turpin, University of New England
Mike Bamford, University of Western Australia
Christopher Knuckey, Biologic Environmental Survey
Morgan O’Connell, Biologic Environmental Survey
Glen Gaikhorst, GHD
Melissa Jensen, Stantec Australia
Alicia Whittington, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Russell Palmer, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) is a medium-sized marsupial that was formerly widespread across Australia but has suffered extensive declines in its range and population size, with significant loss in semi-arid/arid areas. In the northern semi-arid/arid areas in Western Australia (WA), little is known about the density and distribution of brushtail possum populations. Here, we report on modern and unpublished records of brushtail possums in north-west WA, focusing on the Pilbara region. Records were sourced from various agencies and online sources. Prior to this study, only 13 records from the mainland Pilbara Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) bioregion were publicly available. We uncovered 47 additional independent records, with 35 records since 2000, indicating that brushtail possums are persisting in low densities in the Pilbara bioregion. Most Pilbara possum records we found were located in riverine and rocky environments, correlating to environments that include caves and large Eucalyptus sp. The capture of these data fills an important information gap that will now be available in public data repositories. We recommend that targeted surveys and follow-up monitoring be conducted in northern WA to determine if brushtail possums are declining in this region as has been found elsewhere in northern and central Australia.

Trends and determinants of nest failure in flatback turtles (Natator depressus) across the North West Shelf genetic stock

Eva Robinson, Murdoch University

Co-Authors:
Adrian Gleiss, Murdoch University
Sabrina Fossette, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Malindi Gammon, Cawthron Institute
Stephen Beatty, Murdoch University

To effectively manage long-lived species such as flatback turtles (N. depressus), it is imperative to understand the baseline status of the population, identify threats, and discern how they may act upon the longevity of the population. Assessing population-wide nest success, or the proportion of hatchlings that successfully emerge from nests each season, enables managers to understand population trends, and identify both at-risk and resilient areas for directing management efforts. The aim of this study was to produce a baseline assessment of the nest success for the North West Shelf (NWS) flatback turtle genetic stock, investigate the drivers of nest failure, and explore the implications for the stock in the face of global climate change. We interrogated a long-term dataset, comprising the fate of 2,411 nests (113,804 eggs), across up to sixteen seasons at seven rookeries extending along the coastline of the Pilbara region. We found that although overall mean hatching (76.0 26.3 SD) and emergence (72.9 27.9) success (%) for the NWS stock was within a normal range for the species, the emergence success at several NWS rookeries were the lowest recorded. Although fluctuations in success were exhibited between seasons, Delambre Island was the only rookery with a significant change over time (ߠ= -2.82, p < 0.001), while consistently high values were recorded at the Mundabullangana and Barrow Island rookeries. Mortality was strongly associated with higher mean ambient air temperatures. These outcomes provide insight into the current status of the NWS genetic stock, indicating that some rookeries may already be exceeding their upper thermal tolerance thresholds, with others potentially at high risk of further declines with progressing climate change. Further, these findings provide a baseline for ongoing monitoring of trends in nest success and can inform management strategies for maximising the conservation outcomes for the species.

Alcoa’s integrated biodiversity approach towards a nature positive future

Felipe Andres Saavedra Mella, Alcoa

Co-Authors:
Justine Barker, Alcoa of Australia
Bianca Lockley, Alcoa of Australia
Stephen White, Alcoa of Australia
Gay Landwehr, Alcoa of Australia
Cameron Blackburn, Alcoa of Australia
Lucy Commander, Alcoa of Australia

Globally, Alcoa is moving beyond post-mining impact minimisation to life-of-mine improvements in ecosystem health and biodiversity resilience, seeking to contribute to a nature-positive future. A key objective is working towards a goal of no net loss of biodiversity for new sites and major expansion projects, aligned with the ICMMs Mining Principles. This approach is implemented across Alcoas Global operations.

The following actions summarise its implementation, particularly in Western Australia’s Northern Jarrah Forest, and highlight key aspects of its global efforts. Alcoas Biodiversity Policy ensures no exploration, mining, or operations in World Heritage sites, old-growth forests, gazetted national parks, and other areas recognised for their high conservation significance. In Western Australia, a mining exclusion zone of 8,344-ha was established around Dwellingup, enhancing protection of local environmental, lifestyle, ecotourism, and recreational values. Two conservation areas have been identified to date that represent high value habitat for black cockatoos, and have been removed from the mine plan. These areas were protected due to their high density of current and future nest trees, abundant foraging resources and accessible drinking sites.

Supported by over 50 years of research, progressive rehabilitation is key to returning self-sustaining jarrah forest ecosystems in mined areas. Through pioneering techniques, Alcoa has successfully re-established diverse flora and facilitated the return of key faunal groups. Achievements include exceeding a rehabilitation-to-disturbance ratio of 1:1 in 2023 and rehabilitating nearly 75% of cleared land over 60 years. Long-term monitoring indicate that rehabilitated areas are on a trajectory toward meeting government-agreed goals and targets.

Vital collaboration and research underpin Alcoa’s biodiversity outcomes. The Alcoa Forest Research Centre plays a key role in leading this research.

Chuditch use of a post-mining landscape

Justine Barker, Alcoa

Co-Authors:
Lucy Commander, Alcoa
Melissa Jensen, Stantec

The Northern Jarrah Forest (NJF) in the South West of Western Australia has a long history of disturbance since European settlement including logging, altered fire regimes, and mining. The loss of suitable habitat from such disturbances can impact the behaviour and persistence of wildlife. Alcoa mines bauxite within the NJF, which involves developing small, shallow pits in a mosaic pattern interspersed with unmined jarrah forest. These pits are progressively rehabilitated as mining ends. The Alcoa research team has undertaken research over several decades into optimal post-mining rehabilitation strategies to ensure the return of a functional ecosystem. A key part of this is ensuring all faunal groups are returning and using the rehabilitated forest. Using GPS collars, we investigated how chuditch use the mosaic landscape comprising unmined forest areas, rehabilitated forests of various ages, areas of active mining, and the roads and tracks within these areas. Chuditch selected shelter sites in both rehabilitated and remnant forest. Open areas were also readily traversed, including mining pits, young rehabilitation, and roads and tracks, but preliminary data suggests they preferentially used more dense forest as movement corridors if available. Chuditch appear to be adaptable, living alongside mining and utilising a range of different habitat types available within their home range.

Differential use of a foraging ground by male and female flatback turtles: Insights from sex ratios and migratory patterns

Rosie Brown, Murdoch University

Co-Authors:
Jenna Hounslow, Murdoch University
Scott Whiting, DBCA
Wil Bennett, DBCA
Jasmyn Cook, DBCA
Yawuru Country Managers, Nyamba Buru Yawuru
Yawuru DBCA Rangers, DBCA
Jason Fong, DBCA
James Gee, DBCA
Karina Jones, Murdoch University
Glenn McFarlane, Conservation Volunteers Australia
Lauren Peel, Pendoley Environmental
Jason Richardson, DBCA
Jason Rossendell, Rio Tinto
Anton Tucker, DBCA
Paul Whittock, Pendoley Environmental
Adrian Gleiss, Murdoch University
Sabrina Fossette-Halot, DBCA

Flatback turtles (Natator depressus) are an endemic Australian marine turtle species. Understanding how adult male and female flatback turtles use their foraging grounds is critical for assessing their energetic demands, reproductive strategies, and implications for population viability. Yet, such sex-specific patterns remain poorly documented in this species. Since foraging grounds support energetically costly reproductive activities, understanding how they are used by each sex can inform targeted conservation strategies and contribute to maintaining population stability.

The foraging ground at Yawuru Nagulagan Roebuck Bay provides a unique opportunity to assess both male and female reproductive patterns outside of the nesting context. Since 2018, data from sightings (n=363), captures (n=196), and satellite tag deployments (n=41) have been used to estimate adult sex ratios and characterise migratory patterns, including departure timing to breeding grounds and remigration intervals.

We found that the proportion of females among adult captured turtles was 61.7% in the non-breeding season and 71.8% during the breeding season, consistent with or slightly higher than adult sex ratios reported in other studies. Males departed earlier and had shorter estimated remigration intervals than females, with a probability of 1:0.545 probability of remigrating each year. These patterns suggest sex-specific energetic and reproductive demands. Sex-specific migratory behaviours, such as males breeding more frequently, could mitigate the effects of female-biased hatchling sex ratios caused by rising temperatures, helping maintain population stability. This research provides important insights into sex-specific habitat use at foraging grounds, with implications for foraging ecology and energetic demands, and will support the development of more targeted conservation measures for this species.

Western Australia Natural Resource Management Achievements and Future Directions

Manda Page, South West NRM

Co-Authors:
Renata Paliskis, Wheatbelt NRM
Debra Tarabini, Rangelands NRM
Jane O’Malley, PHCC
Kane Watson, NACC

For over 25 years seven Natural Resource Management Organisations (NRMs) have been operating in WA. Our super power is partnerships. We work with Landcare and community groups, Federal, State and Local Governments, NGOs, research institutions, businesses and First Nations organisations to deliver biodiversity conservation outcomes across WA. Each WA NRM organisation is unique and works locally, but together we have national impact. We will showcase some of our key achievements and discuss the importance of the NRM model in a nature positive future.

Oh the places you’ll go, oh the places well know: GPS tracking northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) in a mosaic of historical mining disturbance

Ryan Ellis, Biologic Environmental

Co-Authors:
Brighton Drozario, Biologic Environmental
Lisa Dinis, Biologic Environmental
Judy Dunlop, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Ashleigh Kimpton, Mineral Resources
Chris Knuckey, Biologic Environmental
Shane Mcadam, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Thomas Rasmussen, Biologic Environmental
John Trainer, Rio Tinto Iron Ore

Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) occurrence and abundance of throughout Pilbara is variable; however, is often determined by the presence of undisturbed natural critical habitats. The species is also known to utilise areas of anthropogenic disturbance and artificial habitats. In the Robe Valley area near Pannawonica, northern quoll occurs broadly across a range of disturbed and undisturbed areas, including areas of active and historical mining disturbance associated with mesa formations along the Robe River. Here we present GPS and VHF tracking data for 16 northern quoll (11 males and 5 females) within a mosaic of historic mining disturbance in 2021 (n = 4) and 2023 (n = 12). Individuals were fitted with Lotek Lite Track GPS/ VHF collars and tracked for up to 53 days during the species breeding season (JuneAugust) to reveal movement ranges and denning locations. Of the 13 individuals where sufficient data points were obtained, movement range averaged 106.93 hectares for males and 13.15 hectares for females, with an average nightly distance travelled of 1,294.36 meters. Overall, approximately 87% of GPS fixes occurred within undisturbed habitats. The majority of fixes (~39%) were located within major drainage habitat associated with the Robe River, followed by stony plain (~16%) and rocky hill (~11%) habitats adjacent. Multiple denning locations were identified for 11 individuals in natural and disturbed rock formations, hollow logs, and woody debris. While movement area was often associated with undisturbed habitats, which are likely to support greater prey abundance, the occurrence of denning sites within disturbed and undisturbed areas provides further insight into the species adaptability and utilisation of various denning opportunities. Additionally, the results highlight the potential for the creation of artificial critical habitat as mitigation tool in response to the modification or removal of natural habitat associated with mining activities.

Why monitoring lesser-accessible life stages is critical to understand long-term trends in marine turtles?

Sabrina Fossette, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Andrea Whiting, Wild Outlook Pty Ltd
Casper Avenant, Edith Cowan University
Wil Bennett, DCBA
Jasmyn Cook, DCBA
Jason Fong, DCBA
Glenn Hyndes, Edith Cowan University
Malindi Gammon, Cawthron Institute
Corrine Douglas, DCBA
Ryan Douglas, DCBA
James Gee, DCBA
Jason Richardson, DCBA
Tony Tucker, DCBA
Scott Whiting, DCBA
Yawuru Country Managers, Nyamba Buru Yawuru Environmental Services Unit
Yawuru Rangers, DCBA

Long-lived, migratory marine species are notoriously hard to monitor making detecting long-term population trends a challenge. For some species like sea turtles, easier access to one life stage, in this case nesting females, has translated into a strong monitoring focus on that stage to the detriment of other life stages. Here, we present results from both long-term monitoring data of female flatback turtles nesting on Thevenard Island in the Pilbara region of northwest Australia and data focusing on lesser-studied life stages for this species, i.e. hatchlings and post-hatchlings, bringing a different view to the story. While nesting female abundance seems to have remained stable over the past 8 years with high survivorship, monitoring of eggs and hatchlings showed a survival rate from laying to hatchlings reaching the water (i.e. egg-to-surf survival) of only 44%, raising questions about future recruitment rates into this population. In addition, the recent discovery of post-hatchling flatbacks in Roebuck Bay suggest these turtles remain in shallow coastal waters during their most vulnerable stages with very limited understanding of the threats they face and rate of survival. Our results suggest that focusing monitoring on one life stage may hide other trends present in a population, potentially leading to mis-targeted management actions.

How National Trust Covenants contribute to Nature Positive

Monica Hunter, National Trust of Western Australia

Co-Author:
Diana Papenfus, National Trust of Western Australia

As the first covenant program in WA, the National Trust and its covenant landholders are equipped with 25 years of experience in protecting and halting the loss of natural heritage and biodiversity. A recent Lotterywest funded review of the program and of the covenant situation in WA has made it very clear that in order to be nature positive, private land covenants require:

1. Full commitment from landholders; and

2. Strong government and stakeholder support and understanding.

This presentation will include:

• Case studies of landholders and their support networks who are actively protecting their bushland on which they live and work.
• Challenges faced by covenant landholders and the National Trust.
• Requirements for future proofing the nature positive commitment of current covenant landholders.
• Proposed solutions to these challenges and requirements.
• Risks if not supported, including:

1. Inability to maintain current commitment/s.
2. Lost opportunities to protect unique ecosystems.
3. Potential dissolution of the covenant program and associated implications (including wastage of earlier commitment and resources).

Tracking the ghosts of the coasts: Movement, dispersal and behaviour of green and dwarf sawfish in a global hotspot

Marie Windstein, Murdoch University

Co-Authors:
Alastair Harry, DPIRD
Dambimangari Rangers, Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation
Karajarri Rangers, Karajarri Traditional Lands Association
Nyangumarta Rangers, Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation
Uunguu Rangers, Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation
Yawuru Rangers, Nyamba Buru Yawuru
Jenna Hounslow, Murdoch University
Dean Thorburn, Indo-Pacific Environmental
Stephen Newman, DPIRD
Michael Travers, DPIRD
Adrian Gleiss, Murdoch University

Sawfishes are amongst the most threatened vertebrate taxa globally, having seen their range contracted by 30%-81% and giving them the monicker of ghosts of the coasts. While the ecology of neonates and small juveniles is increasingly well understood, the ecology of sub-adult and adult animals remains elusive. Here, we present the first satellite tracking data for green and dwarf sawfish from the northern coast of Western Australia, a global hotspot for sawfishes. Individuals were equipped with either SPOT or SPLASH tags, which provided movement data of up to 6 months, revealing habitat-specific movements and dispersal patterns, with subadult animals attached to a central place and nomadic movements in adults. Sub-adults occupying tidal creek systems had exceptionally small activity spaces with a linear extent of movement of no more than 6 km, while animals occupying open coasts had linear extents of movement in excess of 80 km. Together, these data shed light on the lifestyle of an elusive and relatively understudied taxon and provide important data for conservation and management.

Remote wildlife response and monitoring considerations during oil spill emergencies

Julian Kalau, Chevron Australia

Co-Authors:
Stuart Field, AMOS
Sarah Hyland, AMOS

The North West of Western Australia is visited by an array of migratory species, inhabiting the region in significant numbers for months each year as part of seasonal mating a birthing/hatching cycles. These mass migration phenomena have been occurring for thousands of years across a range of taxonomic groups including marine mammals, reptiles and avifauna.

Most of the region is remote with relatively few established townships with extensive areas of uninhabited coastline and few if any established wildlife response facilities.

The threat of oil spill on these migratory populations in these remote locations poses unique challenges including: the seasonally extreme weather conditions; challenges of both mobilising and maintaining equipment and personnel resources; and the establishment and maintenance of wildlife response facilities.

Should a significant spill align with the peak of a mating or birthing/hatching cycles in these species, the volume of individuals impacted by the oil will likely quickly overwhelm the response capacity. In such cases, wildlife response methods need to be tailored to processing the largest number of individuals in the shortest time period with critical decisions needed around the focus of the response effort for the greatest good for the population survival of the impacted wildlife. In parallel, operational and scientific monitoring of these species and the habitats where they reside needs to be practical, rigorous and coordinated.

In this presentation we use the example of threatened sea turtles and seabirds at highly populated nesting sites on remote Islands of the Pilbara region of WA to explore options for wildlife response and monitoring methodologies that would ensure the greatest response success with the resources available.

Private land conservation a model for success

Eddy Wajon, Wajon Publishing Company

Eddy and Donna Wajon bought two bush blocks in 2002 a 46ha uncleared site in Tenterden and a 572ha previously cleared site in Jerramungup. These were the first purchases in the Gondwana Link project in WA.

There are at least 400 and 700 native plant species, and 300 and 900 native fauna species, on the two sites respectively.

With funding and in-kind support from conservation organisations, philanthropists, government and volunteers, 80% of the remaining cleared portions of one property was restored with local native plants. These sources also supported the erection of artificial Carnabys Cockatoo nesting tubes, and Pygmy Possum and Brush-tailed Phascogale nest boxes.

Flora and fauna management and monitoring, including fox, cat and rabbit baiting, weed removal, bird surveys, photographic time-line revegetation growth, studies of the ecological and genetic viability of planted native species, motion sensitive camera monitoring, fauna pit trapping, moth light trapping and track maintenance have been undertaken using the same funding model.

Restoration plant survival and biodiversity are high, and the canopy has closed. Species not in the seed mix have germinated.

Malleefowl, which were barely sighted initially, are now seen on every visit. At least 3 malleefowl mounds have been built in the restored area since at least 2017. We have seen eggs laid and chicks hatch. Honey Possums, more than 35 bird species and many reptiles are resident in the revegetation. Pygmy Possums are using the boxes and rearing families. More than 75% of the Carnabys Cockatoo artificial hollows have been used regularly since 2007, and we have witnessed many chicks fledging.

We have eradicated more than 98% of the Bridal Creeper along a creekline on one property.

Thousands of visitors, including Noongar neighbours, have visited both properties to enjoy and learn about nature, and contribute to their management. They have seen a successful model of land management and conservation.

Going under the radar: The importance of maintaining monitoring regimes for threatened species

Saul Cowen, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Sarah Comer, Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Lesley Gibson, Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

The importance of long-term monitoring for threatened species is well understood by conservation biologists and land managers. However, the allocation of resources to support these monitoring programs may be biased in favour of more iconic species, while those less well-known species may fall off the ‘radar’. The heath mouse or dayang (Pseudomys shortridgei), sometimes known as the heath rat, is a small species of native rodent that was believed to be extinct in Western Australia until its rediscovery in 1987. Surveys during the 1990s and 2000s located populations in several reserves in the wheatbelt and the south coast, with Lake Magenta Nature Reserve near Newdegate the apparent stronghold. However, surveys ceased at Lake Magenta by 2010 and subsequently dayang were not detected anywhere in the state until 2019, when an intensive survey effort was commenced. Since 2019, just four individuals have been captured at three sites in total, with one capture at Lake Magenta. This decline may coincide with a mesopredator release of feral cats, brought about after fox baiting commenced. Subsequent camera trap surveys have resulted in a handful of detections at Lake Magenta, but the species appears to remain extremely scarce in WA. With feral cat baiting now occurring at Lake Magenta and also at formerly occupied sites at Fitzgerald River National Park, it is hoped that a recovery of dayang will be initiated. Targeted surveys will continue to try and locate animals so these areas can be better managed. While rodents, in general, may have less appeal, this should not mean that they receive any less conservation attention than other threatened species.

Strengthening WAs Nature Protections in a Changing World

Rhiannon Hardwick, Conservation Council of WA

Co-Authors:
Eloise Hogg, Conservation Council of WA
Liam Lilly, Conservation Council of WA
Mia Pepper, Conservation Council of WA

Western Australia’s biodiversity is under increasing threat from land clearing, climate change, and resource extraction, yet its environmental laws and policies remain inadequate to meet these challenges.

Back from the Brink: A Protection Agenda for Nature is a forthcoming report that compiles policy recommendations and case studies from academics, environmental groups, and campaigners. It emerged as a collective response to the WA Government’s proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act, which prioritised ‘streamlining’ and ‘efficiency’ over strengthening nature protections amid a worsening biodiversity crisis.

The report highlights how weak legislative and regulatory frameworks, coupled with declining government investment, are accelerating habitat loss, species decline, and ecosystem degradation. It outlines a series of policy reforms to deliver the environmental protections necessary to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in Western Australia.

GPS tracking of the Pilbara ghost bat

John Trainer, Rio Tinto

Co-Authors:
Scott Reiffer, Rio Tinto
Robert Bullen, Bat Call WA

The Ghost Bat (Marcroderma gigas) is a threatened species, and little is known about its foraging habits. This is especially true in the Pilbara, where the arid environment differs greatly to the environment in the rest of the species range.

Recent developments in technology have allowed GPS tags to be light enough for use on Ghost Bats and for batteries to last long enough to capture useful and accurate ecological information. Rio Tinto Ecologists partnered with Robert Bullen to explore the use of this new technique.

This study presents the findings of over 60 GPS tracked individuals at multiple sites across the Pilbara, providing a detailed look into this enigmatic species pattern of life.

Foraging occurred across a varied and broad range of habitat and vegetation types, typically with 30-70% ground cover, which matches their foraging strategy of perch and ambush. Nightly foraging distances ranged from 2km to 26km from the roost with a one-way dispersal of 16.5 km also being recorded.

Additional data presented includes foraging strategies, foraging site fidelity, time spent outside of the roost, roost site fidelity, intraspecific competition, and resource partitioning.

This data is hoped to provide better conservation outcomes for the species not only in the Pilbara but across its range.

Keep Carnabys Flying Ngoolarks Forever: Use of wildlife health and ecology research to inform on-ground conservation management activities

Kristin Warren, Murdoch University

Murdoch University has been conducting health and ecology research on threatened black cockatoo species in south-west Western Australia for eighteen years. We used the findings of this long-term research to inform a large-scale community engagement project, Keep Carnabys Flying Ngoolarks Forever. Over a two-year period, this project involved Murdoch University’s black cockatoo research team working alongside Aboriginal organisations and environmental and wildlife NGOs, in collaboration with eight local governments, to undertake community-based awareness raising and on-ground action to address the plight of the birds in urban and peri-urban areas. Conservation management activities within the project included revegetation using black cockatoo food trees, particularly at locations within daily foraging distance of roosts as identified by our research, and installation of Cockitrough watering stations at strategic locations, informed by research findings about the risks to black cockatoos from lack of access to clean drinking water. The research team developed locality-specific Black Cockatoo Conservation Action Plans, informed by the research data, to help councils identify how best to protect black cockatoos and their foraging and roost habitat, and mitigate local-level threatening processes. During the project, 49,317 tube stock and 592 advanced trees that are food species were planted at 40 sites, and eleven Cockitrough watering stations were installed across the eight local government areas. Local governments that participated in the project have continued to implement the recommendations outlined in their Black Cockatoo Conservation Action Plans, which align with key biodiversity conservation objectives in the councils own strategies and plans, and with national Recovery Plans for these species. The project demonstrates the value of using wildlife research data to inspire evidence-informed on-ground conservation actions.

Rethinking environmental impact assessment for nature positive development

Holly Kirk, Curtin University

Co-Authors:
Dale Wright, BirdLife Australia
Casey Visintin, RMIT University
Matthew Selinske, Mosaic Insights
Georgia Garrard, Zoos Victoria
Sarah Bekessy, RMIT University

Achieving nature positive development within existing regulatory frameworks will be challenging. To halt and reverse global biodiversity loss requires restoration and enhancement of all ecosystems, including novel, human-dominated ecosystems where people can arguably have some of the greatest positive impacts biodiversity. Actions need to be supported by a fundamental shift in how we value and assess biodiversity in in these landscapes. Traditional Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) often fall short in this regard, focusing primarily on mitigating negative impacts rather than promoting positive outcomes a new approach is clearly needed.

We have developed an additional pathway that can be followed alongside the EIA framework, assessing the potential for biodiversity gain at development sites and reframing biodiversity as an asset to be enhanced. This approach aims to enable identification of biodiversity opportunities in planning and development, encouraging actions that support sustainable and resilient ecosystems, and providing a clearer link to the social and economic benefits that can be accumulated. We illustrate this additional nature positive pathway using two hypothetical development case studies, showing how proponents can be incentivised to implement nature positive actions. We explore how biodiversity potential might be identified at a development site and how a nature positive pathway can act as a complementary mechanism to existing regulatory processes, aligning with the global nature positive agenda.

Ghost bats: using a trained AI model to detect calls in large-scale monitoring datasets

Benjamin Lawrence, Wood

Co-Author:
Peter Glorie, Wood

The declining population of the Australian native Ghost Bat Macroderma gigas (Megadermatidae) has resulted in extensive monitoring programs, including passive acoustic monitoring. Acoustic analysis of the Ghost Bats social and echolocation calls can provide insight into the behaviour of this species, informing management and conservation.

This analysis is currently performed by a small number of experts who review audio recordings. This method is time consuming due to the Ghost Bats diverse and complex calls and the massive data sets that are gathered, limiting the number of sites that can be effectively monitored. Trained AI models can efficiently process these data sets and provide significant time and cost benefits over current analysis methods without sacrificing accuracy.

This paper presents the results from continuous recording across 10 Ghost Bat roosts in the Pilbara region of Western Australian over a period of 12 months using a trained AI model. The model detected Ghost Bat social and echolocation calls, providing an indication of presence and usage of the roosts over different seasons. The model’s performance demonstrates that it can be deployed to increase the value of large-scale monitoring programs.

10 species in 10 years: a review of the Mt Gibson mammal restoration project

Amanda Bourne, Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Co-Authors:
Louis O’Neill, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Bryony Palmer, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Aliesha Dodson, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Robin Sinclair, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Sophia Callander, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
John Kanowski, Australian Wildlife Conservancy

The Australian Wildlife Conservancy’s Mt Gibson Mammal Restoration Project, on Badimia Country in Western Australia, recently celebrated a significant conservation milestone. The project aimed to establish viable, self-sustaining populations of ten locally-extinct mammal species. The last planned release of the last planned species (12 Western Quolls, or Chuditch Dasyurus geoffroii, from the captive breeding program at Taronga Zoo) was completed in November 2024. Translocations have been conducted over the past ten years, both inside and outside a 7,828 ha feral predator-proof fenced area. Brushtail Possums Trichosurus vulpecula and Chuditch are in the early stages of establishing a population at Mt Gibson and, while progressing well, it is too early to confirm the outcome. Most of the other translocated species have now met medium- or long-term success criteria and shown signs of long-term viability, including good genetic diversity and recovery from the impacts of a recent severe drought. Rodents were more difficult than marsupials, with Shark Bay Mice Pseudomys gouldii failing to establish post-release and Greater Stick-nest Rats Leporillus conditor persisting in low numbers for many years before declining to barely detectible levels following drought. Feral predator control, via eradication from the fenced area and ongoing suppression across the rest of the property, has been an important part of the project. Intentional releases of species beyond the fence are enabling us to explore what conservation actions are possible in the presence of feral predators. Lessons learned from Mt Gibson will inform future translocations at this and other sites, and provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with large, complex, landscape-scale conservation and restoration programs.

Shifting our EIA and approvals mindset

Mitt Ramgobin, Umwelt Environment and Social Consultants

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) have traditionally focused on species and communities, often neglecting the broader landscape and systemic interactions crucial for biodiversity conservation. This abstract explores the potential benefits of shifting from a species/communities-based EIA to a landscape/systems-based EIA, drawing on publicly available project analyses. The analysis of publicly available projects reveals that traditional EIAs often fail to capture the cumulative and interconnected impacts of development on ecosystems. By focusing narrowly on individual species or communities, these assessments can overlook critical ecological processes and landscape-level interactions that sustain biodiversity. This limitation can lead to suboptimal mitigation measures and missed opportunities for achieving nature-positive outcomes. A landscape/systems-based EIA approach addresses these shortcomings by considering the broader ecological context. This method integrates landscape ecology principles, assessing how land use changes affect habitat connectivity, ecosystem services, and overall ecological integrity. Such an approach not only provides a more comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts but also facilitates the identification of more effective mitigation and offset strategies. Implementing landscape/systems-based EIAs can lead to better nature-positive outcomes by ensuring that development projects contribute to the restoration and enhancement of ecosystems rather than merely compensating for losses. This shift aligns with the growing emphasis on achieving net biodiversity gains and supports the goals of recent environmental policies aimed at reversing biodiversity decline. Moreover, landscape/systems-based EIAs can streamline the approvals process by providing clearer, more robust evidence of environmental impacts and mitigation measures. This can enhance regulatory confidence and reduce delays associated with inadequate or contested assessments.

Microbat, macrotravel: Tracking the ambitious journeys of the Pilbara leaf-nosed Bat

Jayden O’Brien, Fortescue

Pilbara Leaf-nosed Bats (PLNB, Rhinonicteris aurantia Pilbara Form) are a threatened insectivorous microbat endemic to the Pilbara region of Western Australia. PLNB rely on climatically benign roosts to survive in the harsh Pilbara environment. These caves, characterised by high humidity and consistently warm temperatures, serve as permanent diurnal roosts and can also host maternity colonies during the parturition and lactation period. However, such roosts are rare and challenging to find, with currently only approximately 50 known locations within the Pilbara, many of which are associated with mineral ore bodies.

To investigate movement ecology and site fidelity of PLNB, we tagged 153 individuals with passive integrated transponders (PIT) across over two campaigns at two permanent roosts located 30 km apart in the East Chichester subregion. We monitored the tagged bats using a network of six Biomark reader systems placed at the entrances at both diurnal and transitory roosts.

Our findings revealed that 70% of tagged bats were resighted on at least one occasion within 12 months (of tagging). Interestingly, male PLNB exhibited greater site fidelity than females, despite both sexes using the roosts. Site fidelity also varied between the two caves. For individuals with a high level of site fidelity, we analysed foraging duration (time spent out of the cave each night) and observed frequent nightly returns to the roosts for some individuals.

Additionally, we recorded over 25 inter-colony movements, including a remarkable 65 km nightly journey by a female bat between two roosts the largest recorded for the species.

These findings are crucial for managing and conserving this threatened species. Understanding PLNB movement and site fidelity helps identify critical habitats and protect roosts, highlighting the need to consider their spatial needs to avoid or mitigate impacts.

Restoring the fauna on Western Australia’s largest island

Lesley Gibson, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Colleen Sims, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Sean Garretson, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Kelly Rayner, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
John Angus, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Kym Ottewell, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

The Dirk Hartog Island National Park Ecological Restoration Project (Return to 1616) aims to restore the ecological condition of Western Australia’s largest island to a similar condition to that experienced by Dirk Hartog when he landed on the island in 1616. Dirk Hartog Island is situated in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and on the country of the Malgana people, to whom it is known as Wirruwana. A fauna reconstruction of 12 mammal and one bird species on Dirk Hartog Island (DHI) over a 12-year period is a major component of this project. The re-establishment of fauna on DHI will not only help to improve the conservation outlook of many of these species but also improve the health of a previously degraded ecosystem. Now that the fauna reconstruction is well past the halfway mark with nine species released on the island, we provide an overview of the progress of this ambitious project, highlighting the various advances, challenges faced and the opportunities it has provided. We will focus on how we are measuring the progress of the translocations using novel and innovative monitoring approaches and sophisticated genetic management tools.

Surprises in Xanthorrhoea

Geoffrey Cockerton, Western Botanical

Co-Author:
Linda Dalgliesh, Western Botanical

Grass Trees, Xanthorrhoea species, are iconic in our flora and were last taxonomically assessed in 1986. Xanthorrhoea is a pan-continental genus with 11 recognised taxa (including two subspecies of one species) in WA.

Physical characters available to identify species of Xanthorrhoea are cryptic and flowering and fruiting is irregular. Recent investigations by the authors, building on DNA analyses by McLay (2016) has found that many currently accepted species in WA are complexes of two or more species. It is also common to find two or more species of Xanthorrhoea growing together within suitable habitats and that differentiating those with similar growth habit is difficult.

We have embarked on a state-wide review of Xanthorrhoea with a view to clarifying the taxonomy of this fascinating but frustrating group.

There may be implications for development and Conservation listing may be required for some species.

Bats, traps & acoustics: Surveying bats for conservation in the southwest

Kelly Sheldrick, Conservation Council of WA

Co-Author:
David Hill, Kyoto University

Acoustic monitoring and trapping are the main methods used to survey bats in the field, but each has strengths and limitations. Trapping provides direct evidence of species presence, sex and age class, but can be resource-intensive and biased towards certain species. Acoustic surveys are effective for detecting some species but may miss others due to environmental noise, species-specific behaviour, and call overlap.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of these methods by comparing trapping and acoustic monitoring results over 25 nights at 14 locations across southwest Western Australia. The focus was on species detectability and identifying strategies to improve capture rates. To enhance trapping success, we tested the use of Autobat acoustic lures to attract bats to harp traps. Fieldwork was supported by citizen scientists, who assisted with nightly surveys, equipment setup, and data collection.

Results show lures significantly increased capture rates for all eight species captured and overall increased our capture rate by 4.8 times. We found lures were particularly effective for Long-eared bats (Nyctophilus spp.), which were the species least frequently detected in our paired acoustic surveys and the Western falsistrelle (Falsistrellus mackenziei). These taxa include endemic species and subspecies whose distributions, habitat requirements and conservation status are poorly understood.

Our findings highlight the benefits of integrating trapping and acoustic methods for more comprehensive assessment of bat communities. We propose that a dual-method approach is used for surveys of bat diversity wherever feasible, emphasising that no single technique is sufficient. Survey methods should take into account species-specific behaviour, habitat use, and the strengths and limitations of each technique. Our findings have important implications

Is there mush-room for bettongs on Dirk Hartog Island?

Rebecca Quah, Edith Cowan University

Co-Authors:
Saul Cowen, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Robert Davis, Edith Cowan University
Harriet Mills, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Kelly Rayner, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Anna Hopkins, Edith Cowan University

Boodies (Bettongia lesueur) and woylies (Bettongia penicillata) are mycophagous marsupials known for their crucial role in ecosystem health through fungal spore dispersal and bioturbation. As part of ongoing restoration efforts, these bettong species are being reintroduced to Dirk Hartog Island, where understanding their dietary requirements is essential for successful establishment. This study investigated the mycophagous habits of these species in arid and semi-arid regions to assess fungal consumption patterns. Through dietary analysis of scat samples collected from existing populations, we identified key fungal taxa consumed by these species. Complementing this dietary research, we conducted an environmental DNA (eDNA) survey of soil samples across three dominant habitat types on Dirk Hartog Island to characterise the available fungal resources. This research aims to establish baseline data on fungal diversity and distribution across the island prior to species reintroduction. By comparing the fungal communities present on Dirk Hartog Island with known dietary preferences of boodies and woylies from mainland populations, we seek to assess the suitability of available fungal resources for supporting reintroduced populations. This study represents a novel approach to pre-reintroduction habitat assessment, with implications for reintroduction planning, predicting reintroduction success and informing adaptive management strategies for these ecologically significant species.

Ecophysiological approaches at the nexus of conservation science and management initiatives of threatened species

Wolfgang Lewandrowski, Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Emily Tudor, Kings Park Science
Hayden Ajduk, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Julijanna Hantzis, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Natalie Murdock, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Ashley Jenkin, Kings Park Science
Sean Tomlinson, Curtin University
Jason Stevens, Kings Park Science

A mechanistic understanding of how threatened plants respond to environmental change is critical to the conservation and restoration of their habitat. Ecophysiological approaches provide fundamental insights into how plants persist in their environment and are the nexus for bridging threatened species requirements with conservation and management initiatives. Here, we present two case studies of conservation dependent narrow range endemics, Aluta quadrata and Tetratheca butcheriana, from banded ironstone formations in the Pilbara, northwest of Western Australia. Working together with industry, we aimed to generate knowledge for defining species interactions with edaphic and climatic factors shaping their distribution and persistence across the landscape. We combined high resolution species distribution models (SDM) with ecophysiological studies, and discovered patterns and drivers of variation in both plant responses and their environment. Using this knowledge, we were able to effectively describe how plant performance is distributed across the landscape, and provide a baseline for future conservation and monitoring actions, as well as to explore the mechanisms underpinning short-range endemism in this system.

Modelling complex habitat use for threatened bats in the Pilbara to support informed decision making

Linette Umbrello, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Robyn Shaw, University of Canberra

Co-Authors:
Kym Ottewell, Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions
Chris Knuckey, Biologic Environmental Survey
Robert Bullen, Bat Call WA

Decision making for environmental impact assessment (EIA) is difficult when landscape scale information across multiple land tenures is lacking. This has been the case for both the Pilbara ghost bat (Macroderma gigas) and the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia), obligate cave roosting species that are Matters of National Environmental Significance. Both are listed as Vulnerable due to threats from development activity, as critical roosting habitat directly overlaps with ore-bearing strata of high economic interest. Multiple stakeholder workshops have identified that understanding the distribution and habitat requirements for both species are crucial knowledge gaps to fill to enable effective conservation and EIA decision-making. However, because bats use different landscape elements for roosting and foraging, standard habitat modelling approaches fall short. Given that both activities are vital for the persistence of these species in the Pilbara, how can we capture this complexity in our models?

We brought together occurrence records, consulting reports, spatial resources, and expert knowledge to address these knowledge gaps. We created new spatial outputs using a neighbourhood approach that incorporates known roosting locations and daily foraging movements. These were then incorporated into ensemble species distribution models (SDM) to predict where roosting and foraging habitat for both species occurs in the Pilbara and to assess the degree of overlap between species, and across different land tenure types (i.e., mining tenements and conservation areas). We worked with EIA decision makers across agencies to produce a spatial tool that enabled better landscape-scale habitat context for decision making for each bat species. We discuss the importance of collaboration to determine end-user needs, gauge the level of understanding of modelling outputs, and identify potential unintended uses, to ensure spatial tools for EIA are fit for purpose.

Who let the boodies out?

Cheryl Lohr, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Bethany Pittway, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions
Deanne Cummins, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions

Fenced fauna refuges are essential for protecting many reintroduced populations of marsupials. Small, fenced refuges can cause problems when species such as boodies (Mitika, Bettongia lesueur) become over-abundant causing over-browsing of the vegetation, competition with other species, and negative health outcomes for boodies. Ideally, excess boodies should disperse away from the fenced refuge and establish new populations. Boodies are a highly social species with very high site fidelity: traits that may have negatively impacted attempts to translocate individuals to unconnected sites. We designed and tested a series of two-way gates and tunnels against captive feral cats and boodies to identify a design that would allow boodie dispersal without allowing feral cats to enter the fenced refuge. Ultimately, three, 2m tunnels, 100mm in internal diameter were inserted into the fence on the Matuwa Kurrara Kurrara National Park. Automated microchip readers and camera-traps are used to monitor the tunnels and nearby relic boodie warrens. Since September 2024, over 120 boodies have investigated the tunnels, 40 have explored outside the fence, and all four relic warrens have evidence of resident animals that are renovating burrow entrances. To date, we have had 8 months of successful dispersal of boodies outside a fenced fauna refuge.

Fauna investigations in EIA; is the environment getting value for money?

Mike Bamford, Bamford Consulting Ecologists

The approach to fauna investigations in EIA is guided by state and federal guidance, with an emphasis on surveys. This assumes that we need to know (and it is possible to know) what is there to assess impacts and inform the key objective of the EPA with respect to development and fauna, which is to ‘protect terrestrial fauna so that biological diversity and ecological integrity are maintained.’ But do surveys really provide the information we need?

With an annual budget of roughly $200 million, surveys are a large investment in the environment; but they are inefficient and consider <5% of the fauna assemblage. Typical surveys for vertebrate fauna confirm about half the species that may use an area, cannot consider annual variation, cannot address ß-diversity, and common sampling methods, such as pitfall trapping for reptiles, under-sample some groups. Invertebrate surveys address a tiny proportion of the invertebrate assemblage and disregard the estimated 80% of the invertebrate assemblage that are undescribed. Can these resources be better-directed for EIA and good conservation outcomes?

It is proposed that investigations should be an ecological assessment aimed at understanding how a proposed development will interact with the fauna assemblage and the environment that supports that assemblage. This needs some information on the fauna assemblage, the context of the site, ecosystem processes operating in the site, and a risk assessment of threatening processes. This approach is framed around the ecosystem, its context and how a proposal interacts with it via threatening processes. In such a framework, surveys assess the landscape and identify and gather data on key species, and can provide baseline data for long term monitoring of impacts and of mitigation measures. Some of the $200 million annual budget could go to monitoring a network of sites across WA, and to funding mitigation measures within and beyond the boundary of individual projects.

Effects of large herbivore exclusion on above and belowground forest properties

Claire Foster, The Australian National University / Edith Cowan University

Native and exotic large herbivores play an important role in shaping the structure and function of ecosystems. Yet, in Australia, comparatively little is known about the role of large herbivores in ecosystem function, particularly for forested ecosystems, and especially for belowground properties. Large herbivores have been found to cause important changes in soil properties and belowground biodiversity, but monitoring effects on soils is costly and time consuming. In this study, we use large herbivore exclosure sites to investigate the influence of large herbivores (predominantly macropods and introduced deer) on soil and vegetation properties. In particular, we test the extent to which measured effects on the plant functional community can indicate differences in belowground properties. Developing a generalized understanding of the functional role of large herbivores in Australia’s forest ecosystems will help identify priority areas for herbivore management efforts.

Remote biological surveys and their contribution to the understanding of WA’s terrestrial biodiversity assets: A floral case study

Zachary Borthwick, Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd

Co-Author:
David Coultas, Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd
Marlee Starcevich, Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd

Western Australia is well known for its terrestrial biodiversity, particularly the south-western corner of the state. But in the arid interior, comparatively little is known, with predominant land use (pastoral leases) and accessibility presenting barriers to biological surveys. Recently, Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd were afforded the opportunity to undertake survey for a number of very poorly-known flora taxa apparently endemic or near-endemic to the calcrete formations of the Oakover River catchment, in a remote part of the far eastern Pilbara region currently under pastoral lease. The taxa, Goodenia pedicellata, Lepidium amelum and Tribulus minutus sens. lat. (all Priority 1 flora taxa in Western Australia), were all known from 5 or fewer locations prior to the survey (with Goodenia pedicellata known only from the type location), with meaningful abundance data not recorded at most locations. The results of the survey are considered to have significantly improved the knowledge of these taxa, both in a taxonomic and conservation context. The taxonomic status of Goodenia pedicellata was clarified, while the collection of further material will likely assist in the resolution of the taxonomic status of Tribulus minutus in Western Australia in the future. A significant volume of abundance and spatial location data for all three taxa was collected, increasing our understanding of their life histories, known and likely ranges, and population sizes. Overall, the results highlight the importance of such surveys in remote, difficult to access locations and their contribution to the broader scientific knowledge base.

Windfarms and wildlife: Which species are at risk?

Trish Fleming, Murdoch University

Co-Authors:
Jesse Harper, Fortescue
Sophie Monaco, Fortescue
Tim McCabe, Ecologia
Claudia Elliott, Ecologia
Shaun Grein, Ecologia
Sam Plant, Ecologia
Thomas Burley, Ecologia
Simon Cherriman, Insight Ornithology
Astrid Moxham, Spectrum
Erica MacIntyre, Spectrum
Fiona Scarff, Murdoch University
Karen Riley, Murdoch University
Natasha Tay, Murdoch University
Lazaro Roque-Albelo, Fortescue
Jill Shephard, Murdoch University

Electricity production contributes 40% of worlds greenhouse gas emissions. Conversion to renewable energy production is therefore critical for mitigating climate change. Australia’s commitment to meeting emission targets has seen rapid growth in the renewable energy sector. Wind energy met 13.4% of Australia’s total energy demands over the last 12 months, but the rapid increase in wind energy developments will see this proportion increase. In 2023, there were 121 Australian wind farms operating or under construction, but an additional 188 have been proposed. Markedly, there is a projected 12-fold increase over current wind energy generation, with more, much larger turbines, proposed. As the number of wind energy projects increases, so has the scrutiny of their environmental impact. Wind energy, in particular, has a pronounced ecological impact on bird and bat species due to collisions with turbine blades and towers. Understanding the potential impact of the growth of wind farms on threatened wildlife species requires species-specific collision risk data. However, reported turbine strike data is lacking for most Australian species, especially scarce, threatened species, and those whose geographic range does not overlap with existing wind farms. Without actual strike data, conservation management decisions are currently being made on the basis of theoretical predictions. To fully assess and address potential environmental impacts of wind turbine developments We have reviewed the biological traits of bird and bat species, available collision mortality monitoring, and compiled direct activity observations to identify a list of Western Australian species that are potentially at risk of wind turbine collision. We have also identified knowledge gaps that require additional research. This work is building research and industry collaboration towards managing and mitigating the balance between green energy development and the conservation challenges that it represents.

Navigating knowledge gaps for Western Australia’s inland waters

Sonja Mennen, Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute

Balancing the need to protect Western Australia’s (WA) diverse inland aquatic ecosystems with economic development demands well-informed policies, effective management strategies, and practical guidance. Access to high-quality scientific data through carefully planned and prioritised research efforts is crucial for addressing biodiversity knowledge gaps.

WAs inland waters are home to numerous endemic species that are specifically adapted to survive in a climate with unpredictable rainfall and fluctuating water levels. These ecosystems face increasing threats from both natural causes and human activities, compromising their ecological health, biodiversity, and the availability of water and its quality. Given the vastness of WAs landscapes and limited research funding, a targeted and cooperative approach is essential to tackle the most urgent issues affecting inland waters.

In response, the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute (WABSI) launched a collaborative program to identify and address critical research needs for WA’s inland waters.

By engaging stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, agricultural representatives, researchers, and non-profit organisations, the program identifies key knowledge gaps centred around focus areas such as: water quality and availability, water extraction and discharge, ecosystem functioning, data collection, and principles and guidance. It takes into account existing research plus the challenges posed by climate change, historical and current land use, and other emerging threats.

The program will be implemented through coordinated research initiatives supported by a robust governance framework, ensuring efficient delivery and tangible outcomes. This collaborative approach aims to establish a strong foundation for evidence-based management and policy-making, promoting the sustainable stewardship of WA’s inland waters while safeguarding biodiversity and supporting the region’s economic growth.

Pathways to Nature Positive Reporting

Panellists:
Lucas Carmody, Global Nature Lead – PwC, TNFD Taskforce Member
Luke Twomey, CEO – Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI)
James Fitzsimons, Director of Conservation and Science – The Nature Conservancy; Member, NRM Committee (DCCEEW)

Moderator:
Katelyn Bonato, Partner – PwC Australia

With nature loss accelerating, investors, regulators, and communities seek greater transparency on organisations’ impacts and efforts to restore nature. This session unites leaders from finance, industry, science, and advisory to explore how nature-positive is defined and applied in practice.

Wind turbine bird collision risk models – what’s missing?

Graeme Hocking, Murdoch University

Co-Authors:
Wafaa Mansoor, Murdoch University
Soudabeh Shemehsavar, Murdoch University
Trish Fleming, Murdoch University
Jill Shepherd, Murdoch University

In the international shift to renewable energy, a growing number of wind farms are being proposed and built both in Australia and elsewhere. A pivotal analysis in the design and building of wind farms for power generation is of the danger to bird and bat life as a result of direct collision, barotrauma or other factors such as traumatic change of habitat. Most of the collision risk models (CRM) are based on the BAND (2007) model that is very generic and runs with limited data and a large number of assumptions about bird behaviour. This is in part due to the difficulty of acquiring sufficient data to enable detailed simulation. We discuss the existing collision risk models for birds interacting with wind farms in general terms, and include a discussion of some of the important factors that are missing from the models that may have a profound impact on the outcomes in terms of impact on bird populations in the vicinity.

Safeguarding endemic aquatic species in urban rivers

Suzanne Thompson, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Michelle VanCompernolle, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Thomas Ryan, Murdoch University
Peter Novak, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Amie Gillies, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction
Kerry Trayler, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Urban rivers face a wide range of anthropogenic threats, such as pollution, sedimentation, loss of habitat, altered flow regimes, invasive species and continuing pressure from climate change and reduced rainfall. In Perth, the Canning, Southern and Wungong rivers are vital freshwater habitat which is under increasing pressure from urbanisation. The rivers are known to support aquatic biodiversity endemic to the region, but the impact of urbanisation on the viability of their aquatic communities needs to be better understood to target management and potential interventions. To address this, we intensively surveyed the biodiversity of ten river pools for a period of one year, focusing on fish, crayfish, turtles, macroinvertebrates and the threatened Carters freshwater mussels (Westralunio carteri), together with water and sediment quality, river flow and in-stream habitat. Overall, we documented >20,000 fish and crayfish spanning ten endemic and nine introduced species, including one introduced fish species (Empire gudgeon) not previously detected in the system. We used visible implant elastomer (VIE) and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags to understand residency and population sizes within pools as well as document connectivity between pools for native species. We found that populations of the iconic freshwater cobbler (Tandanus bostocki) and the oblong turtle (Chelodina oblonga) were more connected and in higher numbers than expected. Through these biodiversity, habitat and water quality surveys, we better understand the minimum habitat criteria for healthy communities of endemic freshwater fauna. These criteria will be applied in a trial intervention in one of the pools to improve habitat and aquatic biodiversity. Our study will form the baseline data to which post-intervention surveys can be compared to evaluate the success of the intervention in meeting ecological objectives.

Nature Positive Large-scale Solar Developments: Regulating Ecovoltaics

Nischala McDonnell, Macquarie Law School, Macquarie University

To meet the Australian governments 2030 target of 82% renewable electricity, rapid upscaling of renewable energy infrastructure is essential. Investment and generation capacity in Australia’s renewable energy sector is anticipated to increase following the enactment of the Future Made in Australia Act 2024 (Cth) and adoption of Capacity Investment Scheme targets within the Climate Change Act 2022 (Cth) in February 2025. Renewable energy developments are valued as green sources of electricity in contrast to fossil-fuel based energy systems. However, the renewable energy rollout presents a largely unaddressed green-green dilemma, whereby emissions reduction technologies may be developed to the detriment of flora and fauna biodiversity.

This paper investigates the biodiversity impacts and opportunities for ecological regeneration in the renewable energy transition, using large-scale solar projects in New South Wales as a case study. Conventional large-scale solar projects often threaten the integrity and health of ecosystems due to poor site selection and design. Proposed nature positive reforms in NSW, as well as at the federal level, promise to strengthen large-scale solar development compliance with the biodiversity mitigation hierarchy to deliver regeneration, not just offsets. The impact of NSW’s 2025 nature positive reforms to incentivise and manage biodiversity restoration remains uncertain. This uncertainty is compounded by the stalled federal natural positive legislative reform.

To resolve the green-green dilemma, this paper proposes ecovoltaics as a novel sociotechnical and regulatory innovation capable of holistically integrating photovoltaic generation and ecological regeneration. Ecovoltaics is undefined, and no pilot studies exist in NSW. This paper seeks to demonstrate the correlation of ecovoltaics with nature positive reforms to ignite transformative shifts in large-scale solar developments; from conventional projects to biodiversity boosters.

Temporal and spatial changes in aquatic fauna in the Kent Street Weir Pool of the Canning River, Perth, Western Australia

Peter Novak, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Amie Gillies, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Suzanne Thompson, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Michelle VanCompernolle, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

In a changing climate, that is driving increasing saline intrusion into freshwater zones and reduced rainfall runoff, the management of freshwater habitats is vital for the conservation of freshwater species. The Kent Street Weir Pool (KSWP) of the Canning River extends over 7 km upstream from the Kent Street Weir and is one of the largest permanent freshwater ecosystems in Perth. The weir pool has historically suffered from low fish diversity and poor water quality and historical management action to improve water quality and biodiversity include: oxygenation; PhoslockTM additions; revegetation and nutrient management in the catchment; and the construction of a fishway to facilitate fish movement upstream, past the weir.

This study aimed to document the current biodiversity values of the KSWP by determining spatial and temporal patterns, and environmental drivers of the abundance and condition of aquatic fauna, and the utilization of the KSWP by estuarine migrants. Pressures were also documented including water quality conditions and prevalence of non-native species.

This year-long investigation found that the KSWP hosts 22 species of fish, decapods and turtles including 10 native freshwater species, four native estuarine/marine migrants and 8 non-native species. We found that the fish community differed significantly throughout the year and between sites. The downstream sites were characterized by a high abundance of native estuarine fish migrants, while sites further upstream had a higher abundance of native freshwater fish species. Native fish dominated during winter and spring, but invasive species dramatically increased in abundance during summer, coinciding with a decline in natives. The information gathered by this research will be critical in guiding a long-term restoration project to improve biodiversity values in this vital freshwater habitat.

Stronger together: Intact soil translocation increases the resilience of inoculated microbial communities

Shawn Peddle, Flinders University

Co-Authors:
Tarryn Davies, Flinders University
Riley Hodgson, Flinders University
Siegfried Krauss, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions
Craig Liddicoat, Flinders University
Angela Sanders, Bush Heritage Australia
Martin Breed, Flinders University

Improving ecosystem restoration outcomes is essential to address the twin global crises of biodiversity decline and climate change. Soil microbiota are fundamental ecosystem components that can drive ecosystem recovery. However, their effective integration into ecosystem restoration efforts is yet to be adequately realised. Soil translocation aims to inoculate whole microbial communities into restoration sites to effect both above- and below-ground recovery trajectories. Despite growing acknowledgements of their potential to improve restoration quality, there is limited experimental evidence on how to implement soil translocations to successfully inoculate soil microbiota in restoration contexts. By embedding a soil translocation experiment into a restoration project in southwest Western Australia a global biodiversity hotspot we show that retaining soil structural integrity through intact soil translocation is important in achieving successful establishment of microbial inoculants. By contrast, surface spreading the predominant method of soil translocation used in restoration saw microbial communities diverge away from the microbial profile of donor sites and become more like those in the recipient sites. Our findings suggest that the restoration sector should rethink its approach to achieving successful microbial inoculations and consider the benefits of retaining structural integrity in translocated soils. Upscaling of investments and innovation are required to meet the increasing demand for soil translocations capable of effectively driving ecosystem recovery.

Enhancing biodiversity in the Swan Canning Estuary: Nature-positive solutions using living seawalls

Lucy Arrowsmith, Rivers and Estuaries Science, DBCA

Co-Authors:
Josh Baker, DNV
Kerry Trayler, Rivers and Estuaries Science

The Swan-Canning Estuary (SCE) in Western Australia has experienced significant shoreline modifications. To combat ongoing erosion risks, single-purpose coastal infrastructures like seawalls, have been used to protect the shorelines, often at the expense of complex intertidal systems. As these existing modifications near the end of their intended lifespan and new structures are constructed, integrating eco-engineered technologies presents a promising alternative to reduce erosion while enhancing biodiversity. Using ego-engineered structures from Living Seawalls, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of five different habitat panel styles in enhancing biodiversity and increasing habitat coverage in the SCE compared to traditional seawall infrastructures. We found the habitat panels significantly increased species richness and abundance at two of the three sites in East Fremantle when compared to the plain seawalls. Notably, the rockpool habitat panels exhibited the highest level of species richness, abundance, and diversity among the five panel types. This installation marks the first of its kind in Western Australia, and our results indicate that eco-engineered structures can be used to promote biodiversity more effectively than plain seawalls. Location, panel type and proximity to tidal range will be important considerations in their application to any new hard-engineered structures.

EIA Symposium and Panel
More than just surveys – improving flora and fauna data for stronger EIAs

Panellists:
Lee McIntosh, Deputy Chair, Environmental Protection Authority
Lisa Adams, Independent Environmental Approvals Advisor and President of the Environmental Consultants Association of WA
Dr Mike Bamford, Supervising Scientist, Bamford Consulting Ecologists
Kellie Bauer-Simpson, Principal Ecologist/Botanist, FVC
Professor Stephen van Leeuwen, BHP/Curtin Indigenous Professor in Biodiversity and Environmental Science, Curtin University

Moderator:
Natalia Huang, Principal Wildlife Ecologist, Ecology Matters Australia

We collect an enormous amount of flora and fauna data for EIAs, but does it support strong, nature-positive outcomes?

This panel brings together five experts working across the biodiversity assessment system:

– A fauna consultant with over 40 years’ experience designing, conducting and interpreting fauna surveys.
– A flora consultant who designs, conducts and interprets flora surveys.
– An EIA consultant who evaluates data to assess impacts and develop the EIA.
– The Deputy Chair of the EPA, who reviews the EIA and recommends whether a project should proceed and under what conditions.
– A leading academic, who brings an Indigenous perspective and deep experience in biodiversity science.

Together, they’ll explore how flora and fauna data could be better collected, interpreted and used, from survey design to how results are communicated, and what is really needed for good outcomes-focused decision-making in development projects.

Expect a fast-paced conversation with diverse and grounded insights. Questions on the table include:

– What are the biggest flaws – and wasted efforts – in how flora and fauna data are collected for EIA?
– What knowledge is missing, including Indigenous natural heritage, and how can it be integrated genuinely into assessments?
– How can guidance set a reliable baseline while still demanding professional scientific judgment for each project?

If you work in or around EIAs, or are interested in fauna and flora surveys, this panel is for you. You’ll hear directly from the people who do the work, use the outputs, and want to see the system improve, for the sake of clarity, quality, and better outcomes for nature.

Remote sensing of biodiversity in mine rehabilitation

Robert Archibald, Ecocene and Ben Fosbery, Roy Hill

Co-Authors:
Venecia de San Miguel, Roy Hill
Jeff Williams, Ecocene
Aditya Sharma, Ecocene
Dirk Butter, Ecocene
Julian Kruger, Ecocene
Jian Chai, MultiScan
Hannah Koh, Ecocene

Mining companies collect data on biodiversity in order to manage the environment responsibly and report performance against compliance criteria. Increasingly, companies are using above-earth remote sensing as a standard tool in environmental survey and monitoring. But what about biodiversity? Which components of biodiversity can we practically measure in 2025 with remote sensing?

This question is addressed using rehabilitation at the Roy Hill Mine in the Pilbara region as a case study. Remote sensing data are collected across the mine using a range of platforms and sensors. These data have been used to monitor geometry, stability and basic vegetation attributes (cover and height) within rehabilitation. Recently, Ecocene and Roy Hill have been collaborating to widen the scope of monitoring to include indicators of biodiversity. Research and development are focused on mapping plant species and vegetation classes in imagery with Deep Learning models. In 2024, pilot trials using drone imagery demonstrated promising results (> 85% accuracy) for a selection of species within rehabilitation. In 2025, further work is being undertaken to expand the number of species and the scale across which composition in rehabilitation and analogue areas is assessed.

Additionally in 2025, various structural (indirect) indicators of biodiversity are being developed to track rehabilitation progress. These include a variety of patch and 3-D structural metrics. Comparison of these metrics between rehabilitation and analogue areas can reveal how rehabilitation is developing as potential habitat. Some initial work to validate these inferences is presented.

The presentation concludes with an assessment of the expected advances in remote sensing which will further extend the capabilities of remote sensing as a biodiversity monitoring tool in mine rehabilitation monitoring.

Salt Shock: Reviewing the sublethal impacts of hypersalinity on estuarine biota

Ben Roots, Murdoch University

Co-Authors:
Josh Nitschke, Flinders University
Essie Rodgers, Murdoch University
James Tweedley, Murdoch University

Climate change and anthropogenic modifications to freshwater flow are increasing the magnitude and duration of the hypersaline (>40 ppt) conditions in estuaries. While the lethal effects of hypersalinity, such as fish kills, are well-documented, the sub-lethal impacts are less studied. We undertook a global review aimed to, for the first time, chronicle these sub-lethal impacts and generalise them across the multiple levels of organisms, encapsulating estuarine flora (phytoplankton, seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes), fauna (invertebrates, fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds), and identify discrete salinity thresholds that cause major shifts in their biology. Hypersalinity was found to be a major stressor acting on organisms, increasing energetic demands through the need to osmoregulate/reduce permeability and maintain essential functions. This can often come at the cost of growth, leading to reduced body/leaf size and changes in energy allocations towards managing oxidative stress, while also decreasing habitat size in plants. Increasing salinity reduces the taxonomic and functional diversity of faunal assemblages, decreasing resilience and the provision of ecosystem services (e.g. nutrient cycling). Moreover, trophic pathways are simplified, reducing dietary breadth and the amount of energy consumed by higher-order consumers, including fish, mammals and migratory birds. This can result in emaciation, lower resistance to disease, changes in distribution and reduced breeding success. As estuaries and their faunas provide extensive societal benefits, hypersalinity can deleteriously impact cultural values, recreational amenity and economic yields from tourism and/or fisheries. The impacts of sub-lethal hypersalinity are still relatively understudied, and with hypersalinity predicted to increase in the future, greater focus should be placed on pinpointing sublethal thresholds and further understanding the impacts of hypersalinity on ecosystem function.

Application of ecological resilience in mining rehabilitation

Ebony Cowan, Murdoch University and CRC TiME

Co-Authors:
Rachel Standish, Murdoch University
Ben Miller, DBCA
Michael Hughes, Murdoch University

Resilience is an ecological concept that helps to predict ecosystem recovery after a disturbance such as drought or fire. Resilience is achieved if an ecosystem returns to a similar state after disturbance, and is desirable because it suggests longevity of the rehabilitation efforts and that the rehabilitated ecosystem is acting like an analogue ecosystem. Therefore, the resilience concept is relevant to mine rehabilitation when the goal is to return the pre-mining native ecosystem.

This presentation shares findings on how resilience and disturbances are considered by the mining industry, based on interviews with mine rehabilitation professionals and a review of mine closure plans and regulatory guidance from Western Australia and Queensland. Although interview participants generally saw resilience as a valuable concept, this view was not reflected in closure plans or regulatory documents. A range of factors were identified as key challenges that make resilience difficult to incorporate into the rehabilitation process.

In response to these challenges, implications to support the effective integration of resilience into mine rehabilitation are outlined, focusing on terminology, disturbance context, the use of analogue sites, and metrics and monitoring of resilience. Considering these factors can enhance the assessment and application of resilience, increasing the likelihood that rehabilitation will persist in a desirable state over the long term and continue to support biodiversity values for a range of stakeholders.

Securing the future of the Critically Endangered Margaret River Hairy Marron

Martin Dziminski, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Kim Williams, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Harriet Mills, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Andrew Beer, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Kathryn Schell, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Belinda Howe, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Amy Robey, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Christine Taylor, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Peta Lierich, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Tammy Goad, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Kerry Ryan, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Emily Greenhalgh, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Paul Reggetz, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Jacqui Richards, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Amie Raycraft, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

The Margaret River Hairy Marron (Cherax tenuimanus) is an iconic, Critically Endangered, large freshwater crayfish, found only in the Margaret River in southwestern Australia. Introduction of Smooth Marron (Cherax cainii) into the river has led to the decline of the Hairy Marron through hybridization and competition. The Hairy Marron is at high risk of extinction. Historically, captive breeding attempts have been sporadically successful but not reliable. However, Perth Zoo together with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have recently had some success in breeding and nursery culture of juveniles. This has provided an opportunity to expand the breeding program and commence work to establish insurance populations in the wild. Despite previous efforts to reduce the abundance of Smooth Marron in the Margaret River, it remains unsuitable and locations without Smooth Marron are required to create insurance populations. Research is underway to determine the suitability of alternative waterways and undertake a trial translocation. This presentation outlines the collaboration between agencies to progress the recovery of the Margaret River Hairy Marron, and the challenges encountered.

Restoration of TEC SCP3a: A collaborative case study with the Public Transport Authority

Michael Just, Curtin University

Co-Authors:
Chris Newell, Curtin University
Shane Turner, Curtin University
Simone Pedrini, Curtin University

This case study details a collaborative project developing restoration methods for a Threatened Ecological Community (SCP3a) in Western Australia. Working in partnership with the Public Transport Authority, the project focuses on building industry capacity in seed collection and propagation and ensuring a robust supply of diverse local species.

Collected seed material undergoes systematic assessments of dormancy and germination requirements, facilitating the development of species-specific protocols that increase germination success. For species identified as having either limited seed availability or complex dormancy mechanisms, tissue culture programs are employed to propagate these difficult-to-source plants and safeguard genetic diversity, ensuring a steady supply of healthy specimens for future planting.

This approach leverages both traditional horticultural knowledge and innovative scientific methodologies, including advanced germination testing and plant tissue culture, to overcome bottlenecks in species availability. By emphasising knowledge transfer and capacity-building in the commercial seed collection sector, the project aims to establish a reproducible framework for restoration initiatives. The results thus far demonstrate that integrating targeted seed biology research and advanced propagation techniques can lead to a more reliable and cost-effective model of SCP3a restoration, providing insights for broader ecological restoration programs across Australia.

Underground collaborations between Australia and the United States: Digging into burrowing crayfish ecology

James Rogers, Auburn University

Co-Authors:
James Stoeckel, Auburn University
Renee Hintz, Auburn University
Nicholas Barnes, Auburn University
Quinton Burnham, Edith Cowan University

Freshwater crayfish are native to every continent except for Antarctica and mainland Africa. They are ecologically important as ecosystem engineers and economically important as a valued food item. Nearly every crayfish taxa burrows to some extent some only rarely while others spend their entire lives underground. The burrowing phase of crayfish life-histories is notoriously difficult to study due to its underground nature. However, knowledge of burrowing crayfish ecology is needed worldwide for conservation of native species as well as for control of invasive species (and the diseases they carry). Researchers from Edith Cowan University, Australia, and Auburn University, U.S.A. have initiated a collaborative effort to study burrowing crayfish ecology and share insights from both continents. Recent studies using artificial burrowing chambers designed and built at Auburn University have examined the effect of groundwater level and energetic health on burrowing behavior on one of the most invasive crayfish worldwide: Procambarus clarkii (Red Swamp Crayfish). This is important information for invasive species control programs because the reproductive phase of P. clarkii typically takes place in underground burrows. A similar burrowing crayfish ecology lab is currently under construction at Edith Cowan University. The focus of this lab will be the impact of climate change and habitat modification on native species persistence. Initial investigations will center on energetic health on burrowing behavior by species affected by groundwater declines in southwestern Australia. The design of these labs allows for the experimental manipulation of factors such as groundwater level, soil compaction, air temperature, etc., so that projected climate scenarios can be investigated before they actually occur. In a Western Australian context these data will contribute to efforts to assess river and wetland health and will be directly relevant to water allocation planning.

Co-designing environmental research to enhance biodiversity and sustainability outcomes at Alcoa

Lucy Commander, Alcoa of Australia

Co-Authors:
Felipe Saavedra-Mella, Alcoa of Australia
Cameron Blackburn, Alcoa of Australia
Justine Barker, Alcoa of Australia

Collaborations between research institutions, regulatory bodies, and the mining industry offer significant potential to enhance environmental management practices, foster scientific advancements and deliver positive biodiversity outcomes. Alcoa of Australia, operating bauxite mines, alumina refineries and a port in Western Australia, has significantly enhanced its long-standing research commitment with the establishment of the Forest Research Centre in 2025. This program strategically employs a co-ordinated and integrated approach to advance biodiversity, sustainability, and cultural outcomes through five core pillars: fauna protection and return, First Nations two-way science, leading practice rehabilitation, enhancing forest flora knowledge, and water stewardship.

To ensure relevance and impact, the 2025 Research Plan for the Research Centre was co-designed with Alcoa’s research users. Initially, a comprehensive Research Needs Assessment synthesised research requests gathered through an online register and collaborative workshops. Subsequently, research users were invited to prioritise these summarised findings based on their importance and urgency. The highest-rated requests were aligned with existing research projects, and new projects were developed to address identified knowledge gaps, aiming to deliver practical solutions for enhanced biodiversity and rehabilitation outcomes.

Key research themes driving this integrated approach include investigations into native fauna and feral mammals; innovating landscaping and erosion management; optimising topsoil management; enhancing seed germination and plant establishment; defining community ecology; understanding ecosystem resilience; developing long-term vegetation trajectories; and identification of culturally significant entities. This research program will be undertaken by the Alcoa research team and an expanding network of local, national and international partners.

High genetic diversity and differentiation in Australocypris giant ostracods from Australian salt lakes

Mahabubur Rahman, Murdoch University

Co-Author:
Jennifer Chaplin, Murdoch University

Salt lakes are prevalent in Australia and harbour a highly diverse suite of endemic fauna, including Australocypris, a genus of giant ostracod in the subfamily Mytilocypridinae that is only found in these lakes. However, information about genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of this fauna is poor. This study used a mitochondrial DNA marker (COI) to investigate genetic diversity, phylogeography, and population genetic structures of three widespread species of Australocypris, namely A. bennetti, A. insularis, and A. robusta. All three species exhibited high genetic diversity, with many populations, especially in A. bennetti, showing evidence of recent population expansions. All three species were also highly-subdivided, even over small spatial scales, implying that the assemblages in different salt lakes are typically independent, self-sustaining populations. To protect genetic diversity in these ostracods, conservation efforts should prioritize maintaining multiple populations across a range of spatial scales throughout the species’ distributions.

The pollination crisis down-under

Kit Prendergast, Curtin University / University of Southern Queensland

Co-Authors:
Graham Pyke, Macquarie University
Zong-Xin Ren, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Southwest Western Australia is a biodiversity hotspot, yet the native pollinators – so crucial to sustaining the natural ecosystems – have received little attention prior to the mid-2000s. Against this, since the 90s, there has been a growing realisation internationally among both scientists and the public that pollinators and pollination are under threat, with headlines of ‘bee apocalypses’. Surprisingly though, we have not heard this much in Australia, save for attention about honey bee declines, even though contrary to public opinion, honey bees are not under threat. We explore whether Australia really is facing a pollination crisis by investigating the literature, through core themes relating to the pollination crisis and component crises. We reveal that there has been an increase in research publications relating to a pollination crisis, but this has centered around Europe and the USA. In Australia, despite no species being listed on the IUCN Red List, and a lack of coverage, we found that the factors known to drive the pollination crisis are very much at large, and Australia has not ‘dodged the bullet’; immediate action to address and mitigate its own pollination crisis. We identify a number of steps that are known to aid in addressing the pollination crises, including increased taxonomic work on suspected plant pollinators, establishing long-term monitoring of plant pollinator relationships, incorporating pollinator conservation into agriculture including restricting use of various pesticides and adopting an Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management approach, conservation and management of plants and their pollinators, and legislation and protection for pollinator populations threatened with extinction. Pollinator conservation is not a priority even in the SWWA, and appropriate Government policy, funding and regulation is needed to protect our indigenous pollinators and their pollination services.

One worm species per rock?

Md Aminul Islam, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Adrian Pinder, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Patrick Martin, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
Kristen Fernandes, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Phreodrilid oligochaetes mostly occur in cooler wetter parts of the southern hemisphere, with greatest diversity in Tasmania and Western Australia. In warmer climes, they are usually found in mesic habitats such as at high altitude, deep lakes, groundwater or springs. It is thus anomalous that numerous new species are being discovered on isolated granite outcrops in the semi-arid to arid inland areas of Western Australia. These outcrops have uneven surfaces forming small temporary rain-filled pools known as ngammas, often with adjacent moss and herb dominated meadows growing on shallow soil. Phreodrilids mostly occur in the moss beds. After rains, the pools fill and the meadows become saturated; but in the very hot summers, both habitats dry completely. Morphological studies have suggested seven distinct species from 11 outcrops sampled to date, with only a single form per rock. However, divergence in COI and 28S sequence data provides strong support for species-level diversity within these morphotypes. That phreodrilids are otherwise absent from these regions may reflect naturally high salinity, made more prevalent through dryland agriculture over the last 100 years, and less predictable presence of freshwater in most other wetlands. Past climatic variation, especially during the Pleistocene, would have meant salinity and drought would have been even more severe at times and may have contributed to the disappearance of phreodrilids from the broader landscape. Granite outcrops may therefore provide relictual habitats which require only minor rain events to saturate the moss beds and fill pools. Subsequent genetic divergence would then reflect very limited opportunity for dispersal between outcrops. There are dozens of granite outcrops that have not yet been sampled, suggesting this region could have an even higher diversity of this family than our results suggest.

Strategic opportunities for environmental offsets
within the Northern Jarrah Forest

Linda Abdo

Co-Author:
Renee Young, WABSI

The Northern Jarrah Forest is of environmental, cultural, social and economic significance. With competing existing uses of the region, and plans for the expansion of development areas, strategic solutions are required to provide adequate compensation for the impacts of development and ensure a meaningful contribution to sustainable development.

To identify opportunities at a regional scale for environmental offsets in the Northern Jarrah Forest, a literature review, stakeholder engagement, and spatial data and risk analyses were undertaken.

Climate change, vegetation clearing, altered fire regimes, disease and invasive species, and knowledge gaps were identified by both the literature review and stakeholder engagement as key priorities across the region. Associated with these, were four key offset opportunities: protection, restoration, invasive species and disease management and, management for improved water balances (ecological thinning).

Analysis of spatial data related to these priorities was then used to identify priority locations for activities to address these pressures, with restoration presenting the preferred option and lowest risk. It was recognised that the risk of other offsetting options, however, could be mitigated through the use of strategic collaborative and/or coordinated approaches.

The strategic use of offsets, particularly within a Maximum Sustainable Development approach, can reduce risk and optimise benefits to environmental, cultural, social and economic priorities. This is of particular importance in areas of high significance with competing priorities.

First evidence of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) as an effective pollinator of an endemic
bloodroot (Haemodorum spicatum)

Ashley Jenkin, Edith Cowan University and Kings Park Science

Co-Authors:
Siegried Krauss, Kings Park Science
Eddie van Etten, Edith Cowan University
Elizabeth Lowe, Edith Cowan University

The European honeybee (Apis mellifera) is an introduced species in Australia that can out-compete native pollinators. Specialised traits of flowers such as unique petals and concealed reproductive structures may limit access of honeybees to nectar and pollen resources. However, honeybees have a capacity to quickly learn and/or coordinate foraging efforts to access specialised flowers for nectar and pollen, with varying levels of pollinator effectiveness. These interactions can have significant implications for the effective pollination of many native Australian plants as well as impacts on native pollinators.

In this study, our aim was to assess the ability of A. mellifera to act as an effective pollinator of a highly specialised Australian plant. We conducted a three-month study within Kings Park on the bloodroot (Haemodorum spicatum) during a post-fire mass-flowering event of ~500 000 plants. The dark flowers of this species remain closed, even during anthesis, which requires specialised access for effective pollination by native bee species such as Leioproctus haemodori. More than 125 hours of field observations and visitation assessment of 500 plants revealed that all 1357 active visits to flowers were by A. mellifera, with only one observation for L. haemodori. Visitation data and analyses of pollen loads showed that A. mellifera were able to learn to access H. spicatum flowers and effect the transfer of pollen for effective pollination. Honeybees also visited H. spicatum plants in a way that would promote pollination across the population instead of self-fertilisation.

This is the first evidence in Australia of A. mellifera learning behaviour to become an effective substitute for a native pollinator on a highly specialised pollination system. Our research is continuing to determine the impact of this atypical mass pollination event on specialised native plant-pollinator relationships and impacts on native pollinators.

Biodiversity risk and action plans: A step-by-step guidance for incorporation into a governance framework

Gay Landwehr, Alcoa

To mainstream biodiversity into the corporate mindset, a governance framework provides the avenue to do so. This paper will describe the current global framework requirements for biodiversity risk assessments and action plans, and how to integrate these into business as usual. The complexity of determination of both an area of influence and ecosystem services, and the difference between impacts and dependencies of a business on biodiversity and ecosystem services, will be discussed with specific examples provided. A recently developed biodiversity governance framework will be described, with the associated challenges of the formulation and implementation of such a framework.

Exploring diversity in the marsupial subfamily Sminthopsinae using genetic and morphological data

Cameron Dodd, The University of Western Australia

Co-Authors:
Renee Catullo, University of Western Australia
Linette Umbrello, Western Australian Museum
Kenny Travouillon, Western Australian Museum
Andrew Baker, Queensland University of Technology
Mike Westerman, La Trobe University
Vera Weisbecker, Flinders University
Meg Martin, Flinders University

Australia has the highest mammal extinction rate on the planet. Despite this, many small mammal species remain understudied, and in some cases are yet to even be discovered. This acts as a major barrier to conservation planning as we cannot protect species that we do not understand or formally recognise as distinct taxa. This also means that there are many unique biolological structures and evolutionary processes which are yet to be investigated by science. One group where this issue is particularly pronounced is the marsupial family Dasyuridae, which has had 18 new species described since 2000. This study used a genome-wide exon-capture dataset as well as 3D skull morphometric data to explore both species-level and functional diversity in the dasyurid subfamily Sminthopsinae. We focussed on identifying potential new species as well as investigating the evolution of inner ear structures in response to increasing aridity across Australia over the past 15 million years. We show the incredible functional diversity present within the Sminthopsins and provide the first investigation into inner ear specialisation in this group.

Protecting peatland ecosystems and addressing threats in southwestern Australia

Nicki Mitchell, The University of Western Australia

Co-Authors:
David Blake, Edith Cowan University
Holly Winkle, The University of Western Australia

Some of the worlds most unique and important peatlands are found in the high rainfall zone of southwestern Australia. This area provides ideal climatic and geo-botanical conditions where wetlands with organic-rich soils can develop, and these ecosystems support iconic threatened species such as pitcher plants and sunset frogs. To address a lack of knowledge and the synergistic threats of climate change, increasing fire frequency and invasive species, a transdisciplinary research project guided by Noongar elders is underway. The five-year project (PEAT Southwest) is advancing several goals: i) to build a collaboration between local knowledge holders and technical specialists to better manage and promote southwestern peatland ecosystems; ii) to thoroughly characterise far southwestern peatland geodiversity and biodiversity; and iii) to use this new knowledge to develop a comprehensive management strategy and implement critical actions for southwestern peatlands. This presentation will highlight research underway on the nationally threatened Empodisma peatlands situated in the Walpole Wilderness Area. We will first demonstrate a digital soil mapping (DSM) approach that incorporates machine learning and earth observation data to determine the spatial distribution of southwestern peatlands. We will also characterise the types of peats and their indicative age, carbon stocks and soil-carbon gas fluxes, and hydrology. Finally, we will describe peatland biodiversity, which we are studying at various scales and with various methods, including eDNA (soil microbiomes), rapid assessments, bioblitzes, and detailed ecological and genetic studies of species such as sunset frogs, pitcher plant flies, and red flowering gums. Collectively, we are rapidly accumulating scientific knowledge and working with the community, cultural custodians and external stakeholders to raise awareness and promote enhanced protection of our peatlands.

Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing and Kinship: a 50 year longitudinal study of trapdoor spiders in the Western Australian wheatbelt

Leanda Mason, Edith Cowan University

Co-Author:
Barbara York Main

In a fragmented remnant of the Western Australian wheatbelt, a 50-year longitudinal study of Gaius villosus (formerly Anidiops villosus) trapdoor spiders continues to shed light on the tenacity of some ways of being in old, stable landscapes. Initiated in 1974 by the late Prof. Barbara York Main, this work is among the longest continuous invertebrate studies globally. It has revealed extraordinary longevity (up to 43 years), generational burrow fidelity, and reproductive patterns influenced by local climatic rhythms and cycles (Main 1978, Mason et al. 2018). Trapdoor spiders are typically classified as short-range endemics (SREs) and persist in living museums amidst extensive land clearing and agricultural intensification. Informed by Noongar relational ontologies and matriarchal philosophies of care, this longitudinal study will continue after intergenerational knowledge sharingboth among spider kin and between peoples across time (Hughes-D’Aeth, 2008; Mason & Kennedy, 2020). Moving onward, the next 50 years will explore the ethical and ecological implications of kincentric conservation; honouring long-lived nonhuman Elders, including Noongar ways of knowing doing and being, and valuing practices that (continue) to resist extractive paradigms. As we mark the close of the first 50 years of study and step into the next, a provocation may be: what might biodiversity conservation look like when grounded in a deep sense of place, tenacity, reverence, and reciprocity?

Stygofauna in Empodisma peatlands in southern Western Australia

Phil Runham, Biologic Environmental

CoAuthors:
Syngeon Rodman, Biologic Environmental
Brad Durrant, Biologic Environmental

Stygofauna are known from saturated subterranean habitats worldwide and are characterised by a lack or reduction of pigment, poorly functioning or non-existent eyes, and elongated sensory appendages. They are prone to short-range endemism, often having poor dispersal capabilities and highly specific habitat requirements. In Western Australia, stygofauna habitats include aquifers in calcretes, alluvial formations and fractured rock. The Pilbara and Yilgarn regions have diverse stygofauna assemblages but are also the regions where most surveys have been conducted. The far south of the state has seen few recent surveys with less than fifteen stygal taxa recorded, predominantly from fractured rock aquifers.

In early 2025, a pilot survey for stygofauna was conducted across three superficial Empodisma peatlands in the vicinity of Walpole, Western Australia. The local distribution of these peats is restricted and as such they represent habitat for potential short-range endemic fauna. Additionally, while the water quality is fresh, it is distinctly acidic with pH levels around 4.

Preliminary taxonomic analyses of the specimens collected identified seven stygofauna genera, including representatives of known stygobitic families, including Parabathynelidae and Harpacticoida. Repeat sampling of the original three peats and others are ongoing, with additional surveys planned. Molecular analysis of specimens, and comparison with specimens collected from proximal groundwater bores will be conducted following the first phase of survey work. Molecular divergence analyses will be used to delineate taxon distributions and to evaluate genetic relatedness between stygofauna collected from the peatlands and proximal groundwater sources. While only in its nascent stages, this study provides further evidence of the conservation value and uniqueness of potentially restricted stygal communities utilising these highly unusual habitats.

Non-invasive sampling of Idiosoma web collected from active burrows for the purposes of taxonomic identification

Yvette Hitchen, Helix Molecular Solutions

Co-Author:
Zoë Hamilton, Helix Molecular Solutions

The Idiosoma nigrum species group are an iconic and threatened component of the Australian mygalomorph spider fauna. Of long-standing conservation significance, the species is afforded vulnerable species status under the Commonwealths Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Fifteen new species have recently been described, and the conservation status of two Idiosoma species have been upgraded to Endangered under WA State Legislation. With Idisosoma species impacting resource development proposals and the process of environmental impact assessment for more than 15 years, they are fast becoming the face of terrestrial invertebrate conservation in Western Australia.

This study originated with the assessment of roadside habitat reserves for the presence of the shield -backed trapdoor spider (Idiosoma nigrum species group). As species identification isnt possible from burrows architecture alone, and morphological taxonomic identification requires retrieval of the specimen, the novel use of web DNA was studied. Development of species-specific qPCR probes and Idiosoma specific COI (Cytochrome oxidase I gene) and Cyt B (Cytochrome b gene) primer sets have allowed for non-invasive identification and validation of these threatened species in a highly fragmented landscape. In combination with the development of recent non-destructive sampling of mygalomorphs (direct comms Cowen, S and Lymbery, R., 2005), these conservation genetic techniques allow for the extension of the species knowledge base for the purposes of impact assessment in a vastly developing landscape.

Evaluating fox and feral cat presence in a baited landscape: A snapshot from the Northern Jarrah Forest

Harry Moore, DBCA

Co-Authors:
Hannah Kilian, DBCA
Michelle Drew, DBCA

Effective control of invasive predators is critical for conserving Australia’s unique biodiversity. In Western Australia’s south-west region, broadscale baiting using 1080 poison has been implemented for nearly three decades to suppress red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus) populations. In this study, we deployed 360 camera traps across 180 sites (evenly distributed inside and outside the baited area) to assess predator presence. Foxes were detected at 12% of sites, with detections 6.5 times more likely outside baited zones. A clear spatial gradient in fox occurrence was evident, with increasing distance from baited areas associated with a higher likelihood of detection. In contrast, feral cats were only detected at one site, limiting our ability to assess baiting effects for this species. Our findings provide evidence that broadscale 1080 baiting likely remains effective in reducing fox presence in this region. However, more intensive or targeted monitoring is likely required to evaluate feral cat responses. These results will inform ongoing predator management efforts and support conservation strategies for threatened species in this biodiversity hotspot.

Investigating the conservation biology of trapdoor spiders in the Darling Range

Rowan Lymbery, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Saul Cowen, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Jeremy Wilson, Western Australian Museum
Mark Harvey, Western Australian Museum
Cameron Blackburn, Alcoa Australia
Justine Barker, Alcoa Australia

Trapdoor spiders (infraorder Mygalomorphae), like many of south-west Western Australia’s invertebrates, are poorly studied and little is known about their biology or ecology. We know that many trapdoor spiders are naturally restricted to discontinuous refugial habitats that are locally cool and wet, which allows their burrows to maintain appropriate conditions to avoid desiccation and overheating. This means that the warming and drying of our climate are major concerns for the persistence of these species. The expected increase in fire frequency and severity is likely to be an added threat to many trapdoors, given their restricted dispersal abilities and often shallow burrows. Here, focusing on key groups of idiopid trapdoor spiders in Western Australia’s northern jarrah forest, we are investigating population genetics, habitat requirements, and drought and fire responses, to help inform conservation management. We provide the first update of findings from our genetic sampling and habitat surveys across the landscape, and their implications for connectivity and persistence of populations. Our ultimate goal is to guide and test the feasibility of management approaches, such as translocations and relocations, which are likely to be important for ensuring the persistence of these refugial-reliant species under climate change.

Tracking the killer’s kin: Estimating dispersal of feral cats with close-kin genetic techniques

Ian Lim, Curtin University

Co-Authors:
Ben Phillips, Curtin University
Brenton von Takach, Curtin University

Investigating effective dispersal in invasive animal populations is crucial to manage population spread and resilience, particularly for taxa that possess long-range and high dispersal such as feral cats (Felis catus) a high-priority invasive species in Western Australia. Promising avenues may arise from approaches utilizing genomics to detect close kin pairs and estimate dispersal distances using these pairs.

We applied genetic inference tools to generate natal dispersal kernels for over 300 feral cats in the Dryandra Woodland. Our study represents one of the first applications of close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) genetic inference in an invasive terrestrial carnivore in Australia and provides novel insights into the scale and shape of gene flow in a landscape heavily impacted by feral predators. We also compare our estimates of dispersal against ecological movement data from GPS tracking. This allows us to separate movement (for foraging and mating) from natal dispersal, providing us with an unusually comprehensive understanding of the spatial ecology of feral cats. Such understanding provides important information for monitoring and management efforts of an established invasive apex predator.

Our findings fill a key knowledge gap in the ecology of feral cats and provide a methodological blueprint for using close-kin genetics in invasive species management. Ultimately, refined estimates of dispersal distances will enhance predictive models and inform spatially targeted control strategies in biodiversity hotspots like Dryandra.

Cataxia on the edge: Range contraction of montane mygalomorphs

Karlene Bain, Python Ecological Services

Co-Authors:
Sarah Comer, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions,
Barbara York Main, Deceased, Formerly of University of Western Australia

Large shifts in species distributions are projected under future climate scenarios, yet few studies document these changes over time, particularly for invertebrates. We report major declines in range and abundance over 22 years for four endemic trapdoor spider species (Cataxia sandsorum, C. stirlingi, C. colesi, C. barrettae) in Western Australia’s Stirling Range National Park. Presence – absence surveys in 2002 and 2024, spanning >250 km of replicated traverses, were complemented by detailed burrow density and microhabitat assessments across 293 quadrats in 17 subpopulations.

Subpopulations ranged from dense, localised clusters (C. barrettae) to widely dispersed individuals (C. stirlingi), but all species showed 55-90% reductions in area of occupancy and >95% declines in burrow density. Losses were most severe at lower elevations and in areas affected by repeated intense fires. These sites also had fewer juveniles and recruits. Remnant populations persist in cool, moist gullies at higher elevations, where orographic cloud, rocky terrain, and microhabitat complexity offer climate buffering and fire refuge. Species distribution models highlight the environmental variables currently supporting occupancy in these refugia.

Despite historically high persistence due to their longevity and deep-burrowing habits, these species are now declining rapidly. Their narrow habitat requirements and poor dispersal capacity leave them highly vulnerable to increasing climate and fire pressures. Surface and shallow-burrowing relictual taxa may face even greater risks. Urgent conservation action is needed to prevent species extinctions and could include habitat protection and restoration, microclimate enhancement, fire regime management, assisted recolonisation, management of ongoing connectivity, long-term monitoring programs, legislative and policy integration, and community and stakeholder engagement.

Patterns in the Pond: Investigating colour and texture variations among species of froglets (Crinia spp.) in South-Western Australia

Joshua Lemmon, Population Biology and Genomics

Co-Author:
Brenton von Takach, Curtin University

Phenotypic variation in colour and pattern offers valuable insight into the evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity. This study investigates the distribution of colour and pattern morphs across four species of small frog within the genus Crinia (Myobatrachidae) speciesC. insignifera, C. subinsignifera, C. pseudinsignifera, and C. glauertifrom selected sites in south-western Australia. Using high-quality, standardised photographs processed through image analysis software, we quantified key morphological variables to assess whether specific morphs occur at sex- or species-specific frequencies within and among populations. By integrating this morphological data with species-level identifications, the study aims to refine our understanding of phenotypic differentiation and explore potential evolutionary drivers of variation within the genus. Results are currently being finalised and are expected to be completed by October 2025 will provide a foundation for further taxonomic and ecological investigation into morph diversity in Crinia.

Ground Beetles of the Pilbara revisiting the Pilbara Biological Survey

Nikolai Tatarnic, Western Australian Museum

Co-Authors:
Renee Catullo, University of Western Australia
Kipling Will, University of California Berkeley

From 2002 to 2007, extensive invertebrate pitfall sampling was undertaken across the Pilbara region through the Pilbara Regional Biological Survey. A vast number of specimens were collected, furthering our knowledge of many taxa, yet the bulk of material remains unstudied. Among the many specimens collected, 223 species of ground beetles (Carabidae) were identified, 140 of these being undescribed. It is now 2025 and almost all of these 140 species are still undescribed! Here we introduce a new partnership between Fortescue Metals Group, the Foundation for the WA Museum, and the WA Museum, to continue where the Pilbara survey left off, beginning with the carabid beetles. Using NextGen genomic sequencing and tried and true morphological techniques, we aim to reconstruct the phylogeny of Pilbara carabids, describe new species, and answer questions of their evolution and biogeographical history.

Optimising seed dormancy alleviation and micropropagation techniques to facilitate biodiverse restoration plantings in South-western Australia

Ngaire Bonnington, Curtin University

Co-Authors:
Michael Just, Curtin University
Shane Turner, Curtin University
Simone Pedrini, Curtin University
Chris Newell, Curtin University

Close to a third of flora in southwest Australia are excluded from use in ecological restoration projects due to their intractable seed ecology and dormancy mechanisms. By preventing seeds from germinating in harsh conditions these mechanisms increase the survival of seedlings in situ but also form a barrier to the use of many species in biodiverse restoration projects.

This research aims to identify and understand these mechanisms in culturally significant or otherwise under-represented restoration species, and to develop propagation approaches to enable more accessible use in restoration. Trials will analyse germination rates under various hydrothermal conditions, and include the application of treatments such as smoke, acid digestion, warm and cold stratification, and wet-dry cycling to identify optimised dormancy alleviation techniques. Sterilised explant material will be initiated onto agar-based media, treated with relevant plant hormones, and observed in controlled environmental conditions to refine micropropagation protocols. This research, and the establishment of in-vitro germplasm collections of significant species, aims to increase accessibility of currently absent species for large-scale, diverse restoration in the south-west.

Total evidence approach to taxonomy. Using genetics, morphology and subfossils to discover new species and help with conservation decision making

Kenny Travouillon, Western Australian Museum

Co-Authors:
Cameron Dodd, University of Western Australia
Shelby Middleton, Edith Cowan University
Jake Newman-Martin, Curtin University
Linette Umbrello, Western Australian Museum

Australia has the worst recent mammal extinction record with 40 species currently listed as extinct since European arrival. As a result, there is an urgent need to fully understand the diversity of Australia’s mammal species, and taxonomy is critical for identifying all species to aid in their conservation. While taxonomy has traditionally relied mainly on morphology, molecular data has revolutionised species discovery and helped resolve taxonomic uncertainty. Although, there are limitations as some species are only represented by historical specimens with poor or no genetic data. The current study will discuss case studies of species discovery in Australian marsupials including bandicoots, bettongs, dunnarts, kultarrs, mulgaras, planigales and possums, using a combination of morphology from modern and subfossil material, and genetics. Multidisciplinary approaches in taxonomy help to strengthen species descriptions, better understand species physiology and ecology, reconstruct past distributions, and discover extinct taxa. This information is essential for conservation decision making of threatened species, such as translocations of extirpated populations or extinct species as replacement of an ecological analogue.

Land systems, soils and vegetation survey of the Great Western Woodlands of Western Australia and southern Goldfields

Peter-Jon Waddell, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Co-Author:
Paul Galloway, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Situated in the heart of southern Western Australia (WA), the Great Western Woodlands represent the worlds largest intact Mediterranean-climate woodland ecosystem. Dominated by diverse Eucalyptus species, this unique region comprises a mosaic of woodlands, mallee, shrublands, and grasslands, and supports over 4,200 plant taxa including nearly one-third of all eucalypt species in Australia (Watson et al. 2008). Despite its global ecological value, the area also referred to as the southern Goldfields has long been impacted by European colonisation, with mining and pastoralism being the primary industries. These pressures have challenged the conservation and sustainable management of the regions natural assets.

Until recently, the southern Goldfields remained the last large area in WA without a comprehensive biophysical resource condition survey. A newly completed study now addresses this gap, covering 151,753 km of the Great Western Woodlands. It delivers detailed land system mapping and refined soil-landscape zone delineation at 1:250,000 scale. The accompanying report describes the areas geomorphology, soils, and vegetation, providing both revised and new physiographic insights.

The survey advances prior studies by refining mapping in alignment with WA and national standards, enabling consistency in data presentation and analysis across regional and national scales and complementing the Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia. Through WAs hierarchical soil-landscape mapping system, the data can be interpreted within broader regional, statewide, and national contexts.

The comprehensive baseline data generated by this survey advances understanding of ecological processes and environmental stressors in the Great Western Woodlands. It provides critical support for land use planning, resource management, conservation, monitoring, and sustainable development, ensuring that stakeholders have the knowledge needed to balance ecological preservation with economic use.

Biodiversity matters for ecological resilience of Nature-based Solutions

Rachel Standish, Murdoch University

Co-Author:
Tina Parkhurst, University of Melbourne

The concept of ecological resilience, that is the ecosystems capacity to persist after disturbance, is one of the most perplexing in restoration ecology science and practice. At best, it can inform restoration interventions and offer certainty to proponents by deliberately managing for persistence after disturbance. At worst, it can be used as a hook to attract attention without proper consideration of attributes that support ecological resilience. Here, we review how ecological resilience has been conceptualised in the context of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). These are actions that address societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development, to benefit people and nature. We offer an ecological perspective of the developing practice, suggest interventions to target resilience mechanisms, and identify knowledge gaps. We will show for example, that ecological resistance is overlooked in NbS despite its importance as an ecosystem response to climate change. Additionally, while there is increasing recognition of the role of biodiversity in contributing to ecological resilience, it is underreported in NbS project assessments at some levels of biological organisation. While confusion about the concept of ecological resilience lingers, we argue that where it is applied with intent, it can help guide interventions towards a nature positive future. We will showcase effective NbS that incorporate diversity across all levels of biological organisation and discuss others that require more research to understand their contribution to nature positive outcomes. We conclude with a suggested way forward for creating resilient NbS in the context of Australia’s nature repair market.

Earth observation data for supporting biodiversity monitoring: A Case study in the Great Western Woodlands

Adriana Parra Ruiz, CSIRO

Co-Authors:
Zheng-Shu Zhou, CSIRO
Matt Garthwaite, CSIRO
Shaun Levick, CSIRO

As part of a global effort to halt the rapid loss of biodiversity, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) defines an ambitious set of goals to achieve sustainable development by 2050. To track the progress of countries towards these goals, the GFB includes a monitoring framework comprising 43 headline biodiversity indicators. Many of these indicators require information on ecosystem structure, composition or functioning, some of which can be provided by satellite-based Earth observation (EO) data. Different EO sensors (e.g., optical, radar, LiDAR) can produce unique information on various ecosystem characteristics, and the large coverage and systematic periodicity of EO data facilitate tracking changes in indicators across different spatial and temporal scales.

In this study, we focus on the use of EO data for the GBF Headline Indicator A.2: extent of natural ecosystems. We use the Great Western Woodlands (GWW), located in south-western Australia, as an example of study area. This region is of significant biodiversity importance as the largest temperate woodland ecosystem in the world, and faces threats related to climate change impacts, particularly, increases in aridity conditions and in fire frequency. For these reasons, monitoring ecosystem extent in the GWW is essential for land management, and conservation efforts.

We present preliminary results on the implementation of a classification workflow for ecosystem extent mapping in the GWW by fusing satellite acquired optical and radar data. We conduct our analysis by incorporating multi-source Analysis Ready Data on a cloud computing platform. Moreover, we assess possible improvement in classification accuracy through the implementation of different machine learning approaches.

Barriers and opportunities to investment in Natural Capital Production Landscapes (NCPLs)

Thomas Picton-Warlow, Swimming365

This paper focuses on key findings of the Natural Capital Production Landscapes (NCPLs) project—an eighteen-month initiative funded by the Future Drought Fund and supported by the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub. The project involved surveys, interviews, and workshops with growers and investors to explore how natural capital is perceived, understood, and integrated into agricultural and investment decision-making across Western Australia. The project specifically examined perceptions, awareness, and current practices through structured engagement with growers and investors, aiming to identify the barriers and opportunities for scaling NCPLs. The findings indicate limited understanding of natural capital among survey participants, especially its abiotic elements like water, energy, and soils. This lack of clarity increased perceptions of risk and reduced confidence in investment models. Despite this, both groups strongly supported tangible, low-risk initiatives tied to familiar assets—but were unsure how to connect these to business or financial frameworks. The findings imply the importance of targeted, systems-based education strategies that connect natural capital to familiar production assets (like soil, water, and energy) and investment structures. To integrate natural capital in current business practices, next steps could include pilot demonstrations, sector-specific extension approaches for both growers and investors, and coordinated policy alignment and support.

State and Transition Models to support management in the mulga rangelands of Western Australia

Alison O’Donnell, CSIRO Environment

State and Transition Models (STMs) provide a structured framework for understanding ecosystem dynamics, identifying degradation pathways, and informing restoration and adaptive management strategies. They are increasingly used in nature-positive programs to support the recovery and resilience of modified landscapes.

This project developed STMs for mulga woodlands and chenopod shrublands across the Gascoyne, Murchison, Pilbara, and Yalgoo regions. These vegetation communities are of high ecological and pastoral value but have been significantly altered by historical land use.

Using the AusEcoModels framework and existing archetype models, STMs were developed that integrate monitoring data with expert knowledge obtained through a multi-stakeholder elicitation process. Participants included scientists, land managers, pastoralists, Indigenous representatives, and government staff. The resulting models define key ecosystem states, transitions, and associated drivers, including grazing intensity, hydrological change, and Buffel grass invasion.

The STMs identify measurable indicators of ecosystem state and change, providing a foundation for improved monitoring, decision-making, and regulatory support. When linked with spatial and remote sensing tools, they offer a pathway toward more transparent and effective ecological restoration in arid rangelands. This work contributes to the scientific basis for nature repair initiatives and supports the development of evidence-based methods for land condition assessment and management.

Nature Positive in Practice: Implications for embedding and demonstrating impact of ecological restoration

Blair Parsons, Greening Australia

Co-Authors:
Zoe Birnie, Greening Australia
Michelle Frankel, Greening Australia

The concept of Nature Positive encourages organisations and markets to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem restoration into their strategies, operations, and investments, requiring clear demonstration of nature enhancement. As this approach gains momentum, environmental organisations must reshape and refocus to embed it in their work and outcomes.

Greening Australia has been progressing toward Nature Positive, applying an impact-centric lens to its operations. By embedding these principles, the organisation is reconfiguring ecological restoration approaches to align with and unlock new financial mechanisms. This evolving model supports partners and investors seeking credible pathways to contribute to biodiversity recovery, climate resilience, and land repair.

A key step has been developing and applying guidelines for objective setting, aligned with the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation. These guidelines establish clarity on project goals, objectives, targets, and indicators. We are also building monitoring and evaluation standards to ensure consistent measurement of outcomes and performance, using accepted frameworks (e.g. Accounting for Nature) where available and developing new ones where gaps exist (e.g. community partnership and wellbeing evaluation).

To demonstrate Nature Positive outcomes, weve applied these frameworks to current projects and evaluated environmental, community, and economic impacts. For example, weve explored long-term results of revegetation projects in ACT/NSW on woodland bird communities and landholders, assessed a collaborative First Nations conservation project in Queensland, and examined nature-based solutionssuch as biodiverse sandalwood and fodder systemsfor restoring degraded agricultural land.

In this presentation, well share how the pursuit of Nature Positive is reshaping Greening Australia’s restoration approach and offer insights for organisations aiming to embed these principles into their core strategy.

Restoration standard for the Western Australian Wheatbelt. A practical guide for restoration managers

Renee Young, The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute

Co-Author:
Hanouska Bishop, The Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute

The Wheatbelt region of southwestern Australia has experienced extensive habitat loss and fragmentation due to land clearing, threatening the persistence of endemic biodiversity and the ecological integrity of its unique Eucalypt woodland ecosystems. The scale of ecological degradation in the Wheatbelt exceeds the capacity of current restoration efforts, highlighting the need for coordinated approaches to achieve restoration at scale. Further, warming and drying climate scenarios pose significant uncertainty in the resilience of endemic ecosystems, requiring restoration planning to account for shifting ecological processes.

In response, the Wheatbelt Restoration Standard (WRS) has been developed to provide a structured, region-specific framework for ecological restoration. Informed by literature synthesis and interviews with Noongar kaartdijin (knowledge) holders, technical experts in ecology, land management, policy, and climate science, the WRS comprises a five-stage framework, principles and tools. Its designed to guide projects across a spectrum of base states and restoration targets, including both endemic and novel ecosystems, and may be led by values, access to markets or regulatory compliance.

Emphasising alignment with the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International Standards, the WRS incorporates regionally adapted approaches using the SER Ecological Recovery and Social Benefits Wheels. It supports application of the mitigation hierarchy used in environmental impact assessment and approvals processes, particularly with defining measurable completion criteria for restoration of the Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt Threatened Ecological Community and associated environmental values.

The WRS enables repeatable, scalable, and outcome-focused ecological restoration. It supports evidence-based monitoring and adaptive management, contributing to improved restoration governance and long-term resilience of socio-ecological systems.

Austin Downs – once part of a holistically managed estate, then a heavily mined and overgrazed pastoral station – now a 167,000 ha restoration project looking to collaborate (including with mining) to further lift nature positive outcomes

Jo Jackson King, Austin Downs Station

Austin Downs, located near Cue, WA, is a 167,000-hectare pastoral lease undergoing significant ecological regeneration. Managed by an inter-generational family business, including First Nations members, since 2001, Austin Downs has faced challenges from past mining activities, extensive tree removal, historical grazing practices, and climate change, leading to decreased productivity and increased erosion. A shift to cattle grazing with innovative methods, such as using mobile water infrastructure to control grazing pressure, have been implemented. In 2024, under the Accounting For Nature umbrella, Bush Heritage Australia carried out an audit of vegetative biodiversity to support and monitor further activities on Austin Downs.

Until 2022 biodiversity gains were only possible as leaseholders subsidised regenerative activities with off-property work. However, as carbon income is not reliable and biodiversity credit income is still distant another significant, sustainable, on-property income source is required to maximise and sustain regeneration gains on Austin Downs.

This presentation outlines the story of Austin Downs from before white settlement, the impacts of mining and grazing, ecological regeneration methods and outcomes and then outlines a proposed collaborative pilot project. This would include mining companies, traditional owners, shires, institutions and energy developers to fund activities which complement each other and lead to nature positive outcomes both on property and in the community. The presentation will also show how more flexible lease conditions would unlock nature positive outcomes on pastoral properties in Western Australia.

The life and times of the York Gums of Charles Darwin Reserve

Fiamma Riviera, Bush Heritage Australia

Co-Authors:
Richard Thomas, Bush Heritage Australia
Marcel Hollenbach, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University of Hannover
John Koch, Bush Heritage Australia
Michelle Hall, Bush Heritage Australia

York Gum woodlands (YGW) of the Western Australia wheatbelt region are complex and rich ecosystems which have been largely cleared for agriculture, with most remnants being small, isolated and degraded. However, on the northeast boundary of their distribution, where agriculture is too marginal, landscape-scale, good condition YGW still remain, such as those of Bush Heritage Australia’s (BHA) Charles Darwin Reserve (CDR).

CDR is a 68,000 ha, ex-pastoral property 350 km northeast of Perth. Since acquisition in 2003, BHA has managed CDR for conservation, aiming to improve ecosystem health by mitigating threats: Healthy Country. Protected Forever. Managing the YGW, especially in the face of climate change, entails understanding the demography and dynamics of York Gum (YG) trees, particularly in relation to fire.

In 2007, 11 transects 20 m wide and between 420 and 900 m long were established across YGW based on fire scar mapping from 1969 onwards, with individual YG trees identified. Circumference at breast height and a canopy condition score were recorded for each tree. The trees were reassessed in 2017 and again in 2024. Such a longitudinal data set is allowing us to investigate mortality and survival rates, growth rates and the impact of tree density on these, and whether the accepted knowledge that YG trees are resprouters is consistently true. We present initial results of each and pose further opportunities for research and collaboration.

Optimising seed sourcing for restoration of degraded substrates under a changing climate

Siegy Krauss, Kings Park Science, DBCA

Co-Authors:
Libby Trevenen, UWA
Michael Renton, UWA
Martin Breed, Flinders University
Erik Veneklaas, UWA
Rachel Standish, Murdoch University
David Merritt, DBCA
Jake Robinson, Flinders University
Nikki Maher, DBCA
Suzanne Prober, CSIRO
Mark Dobrowolski, Iluka
Vern Newton, Heidelberg Materials
Sarah Broomfield, Tronox

Ecosystem restoration is key for addressing two major global challenges: biodiversity loss and climate change. However, where seeds should be sourced for restoration remains intensely debated. Climate-adjusted provenancing sourcing seed from populations currently experiencing climatic conditions expected at restoration sites has been promoted as a solution to enhance resilience against climate change, yet, its benefit over alternative seed sourcing strategies remain largely unknown and untested empirically.

To address this, we established a large provenance trial using 32,000 seeds from two key tree species commonly used in restoration. Seeds were sourced from 20 provenances across a ~400km climate gradient where mean annual rainfall doubles. Trials were established at four locations across this gradient, under two substrate conditions, in 2021 and 2022.

Most trial sites saw no relationship between seed provenance and seedling survival and growth. Occasionally, relationships were observed, but were inconsistent across species, years, locations, and substrates. Consequently, we found no predictable benefit of a climate-adjusted provenance strategy. Rather, all source populations were similarly resilient to environmental stressors associated with harsh climates and novel substrates. We suggest our results reflect ancient evolutionary lineages that have evolved a high capacity for stress through adaptive plasticity. Our results also highlight that under certain scenarios post-mining substrate changes can overwhelm provenance issues. Critically, these trials are established in secure sites to enable the ongoing assessment of provenance effects.

Expanding flora surveys in the Northern Gascoyne: New discoveries and opportunities

Natalie Murdock, Rio Tinto Iron Ore

Compared to the Pilbara, the northern Gascoyne region has seen significantly less survey effort, primarily due to the lack of substantial mineral resource development. However, this does not imply that conservation-significant flora species are confined to the Pilbara.

In 2024, the Rio Tinto Pilbara Environment and Cultural Knowledge team embarked on a mission to locate and improve knowledge of the Pilbara Priority 1 flora species, Hibiscus campanulatus, in the northern Gascoyne. The findings exceeded expectations, revealing not only the target species but also other priority species, new species, and additional records of Pilbara species. These included: Eremophila naaykensii (P3), Grevillea saxicola (P3), Sida sp. Barlee Range (S. van Leeuwen 1642) (P4), Acacia sp. nov., Hibiscus sp. nov., Eremophila rigens (P3), and Eremophila coacta (P3).

The most remarkable discovery was a new population of the endangered species Aluta quadrata, previously thought to be restricted to the Paraburdoo area after over a decade of searching in the Pilbara. This population was found on sandstone and granite outcroppings and cliffs, rather than the commonly associated banded ironstone geology.

This discovery prompted a second survey, which further extended the known distribution of Aluta quadrata at Mt Bresnahan and even further east. These northern Gascoyne findings challenge our understanding of Pilbara flora and highlight the need for increased survey efforts in under-explored regions. Through these, and future surveys, Rio Tinto’s Pilbara Environment and Cultural Knowledge team is striving to enhance our understanding of regional biodiversity and improve conservation outcomes.

A seed enhancement journey from agricultural technologies to native seeds for seed processing, direct seeding and nursery production

Simone Pedrini, Curtin University

The agricultural sector has developed numerous technologies, equipment, and approaches to optimise seed logistics and enhance seed performance and seedling establishment. However, due to the much higher trait variability and diversity of native seeds, there’s the need to adapt, customise and sometimes re-invent agricultural approaches to native seeds. For example, acid digestion, developed for cotton seed delinting, has proven successful in processing and improving the germination of some grass species; however, more development is needed to test the scalability of such treatment.

Another agricultural technology that has been broadly tested on native seeds is seed coating. Specifically, the type of coating that allows a higher degree of modification, seed pelleting, has proven to be effective in improving the cost-effectiveness of automated nursery seedling production, especially when working on small-seeded species.

Direct seeding can also be improved by seed pelleting; by standardising the shape, size and density of seeds in a multispecies mix, it would be possible to perform direct seeding using traditional large-scale agricultural seeding equipment.

Socio-economic outcomes and risks in ecosystem restoration

Alaya Spencer-Cotton, The University of Western Australia

Co-Author:
Abbie Rogers, The University of Western Australian

Achieving nature-positive outcomes through marine and coastal restoration requires a clear understanding of the social and economic dimensions of success, as well as the risks these dimensions may pose to overall project success. This work explores existing knowledge on the socio-economic outcomes and associated risks of restoration and nature-based solutions in Australia. Drawing on a network of experts and a desktop review of published studies, project databases, and existing frameworks, we are developing a framework for identifying and evaluating key outcomes such as community engagement, economic opportunity, and social equity. The work also highlights common barriers and sources of uncertainty that can affect project success. These insights are intended to support more informed planning, investment decisions, and transparent evaluation of restoration success ultimately helping to de-risk nature repair activities and guide implementation aligned with national biodiversity and climate targets.

A gamma ray signature of a drought induced forest die-off event

Gavan McGrath, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions

Co-Authors:
Joe Fontaine, Murdoch University
Ricky Van Dongen, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions
Katinka Ruthrof, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions

The Jarrah Forest of south-west Australia experienced one of its driest and warmest six months between 2023-24, resulting in a widespread forest die-off event. As Jarrah have the potential to have roots more than 40 m deep, was this die-off associated with excessive competition for water by high density stands in deep rooting zones, or did it occur over shallow bedrock with limited water storage capacity? To answer these questions on-ground surveys and forest health surveys helped inform a spatio-temporal remote sensing analysis to identify impact across the entire forest. Data from airborne gamma radiometrics surveys were compared to the spatial distribution of Jarrah forest die-off. A gamma ray signature, indicative of the radio isotope decay of potassium to argon, was strongly associated with die-off, much more so than other landscape attributes like hillslope position, slope and aspect. Granite and gneiss bedrock have comparable concentrations of potassium to that estimated at die-off sites. This die-off event therefore predominantly occurred on thin soils that have more recently weathered from bedrock, whereas deeper soils have been leached of more mobile elements like potassium. On-ground geophysics surveys were conducted to quantify the changes in depths to bedrock associated with gradients in potassium concentrations, thus enabling estimation of soil thickness thresholds making the forest vulnerable to die-off under current climatic conditions. With shallow soils the predominant driver of this Jarrah die-off event, forest structure on deep soils seems to have played a secondary role. Nevertheless, significant water stress was also evident in areas of the forest with deeper soils, and it remains unknown for how long these sites will remain able to meet their current water use requirements, given projections of a future with hotter, drier and more prolonged droughts.

Understanding the influence of access on the social-ecological contributions of protected areas

Valeria Mendez, The University of Western Australia

Co-Authors:
Graeme Cumming, The University of Western Australia
Abbie Rogers, The University of Western Australia
Matthew Navarro, The University of Western Australia

Protected areas can provide important benefits to people. However, they can also control what is made accessible and to whom, creating winners and losers in conservation-driven trade-offs. Understanding how protected area accessibility influences conservation outcomes is critical for both improving the effectiveness of conservation management and identifying solutions to any access-related problems. Despite its importance, the literature on access in conservation remains scattered, jeopardizing our capacity to conduct structured analyses. Treating access in conservation as the ability of potential beneficiaries to perceive and extract (or receive) benefits from protected areas, we reviewed social-ecological research on protected area access and integrated our findings with concepts from other disciplines (e.g., healthcare) to develop a novel and more holistic framework for understanding the role of access in different conservation contexts. We illustrate the framework using the example of accessibility of protected areas in South Africa. Our analysis of the South African context suggests that when entitlements are the sole means of access granted, conservation benefits are not effectively delivered, and wealthier stakeholders benefit the most from protected areas. If protected areas are to deliver an equitable distribution of benefits, additional means of access (e.g. improved road connectivity) are necessary to ensure that all people can benefit from their entitlements. A social-ecological approach to exploring access helps to identify the multidimensional and interacting sources of barriers to access to protected areas (e.g. entitlements, affordability, social stratification), while also recognizing how the allocation of capital by conservation managers can reinforce or dismantle these barriers.

Drought: Loss and recovery at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary

Aliesha Dodson, Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Co-Authors:
Louis O’Neill, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Robin Sinclair, Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Amanda Bourne, Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Drought is a regular part of Australias climate however climate change is having a major impact on the severity of drought conditions especially in southwest. Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, the site of a multi-species mammal reintroduction program on Badimia Country, experienced an historic drought between 2022 and 2024, which came to an end in June 2024. Rainfall in 2023 was the lowest on record and the 2023-24 summer was exceptionally hot. Nine species have been reintroduced into Mt Gibsons 7,838ha feral predator-free exclosure, and are monitored via a combination of a standardised, non-targeted remote camera survey and species-specific live-trapping, spotting or scat surveys. During the drought, we recorded large reductions in camera occupancy in Bilbies, Numbats and, particularly, Shark Bay Bandicoots, also reflected in population indices estimated from other surveys. While Red-tailed Phascogale and Woylie camera occupancy remained stable during the drought, live-trapping showed that Woylies had declined in population abundance by ~75%. The Greater Stick-nest Rat population also suffered a crash which was detected during the annual trapping survey in January 2024, where only three individuals were captured. Following the end of the drought in mid-2024, we recorded an increase in site occupancy and/ or population abundance in all reintroduced species except Greater Stick-nest Rat. Most of the reintroduced populations at Mt Gibson are recovering after the 2023/24 drought, but the functional loss of Greater Stick-nest Rats after 15 years indicates that increasingly frequent and severe droughts are likely to present a significant threat to reintroduced populations of native mammals in arid and semi-arid areas.

Working ‘Right Way’ to Ensure Culturally-safe Spaces and Opportunities

Andrew Knight, BioCultural Futures and ARC Training Centre for Healing Country, School of Life and Molecular Science, Curtin University and Davida Asante-Nimako, ARC Training Centre for Healing Country, School of Life and Molecular Science Curtin University

Co-Authors:
Sam Murray, Indigenous Desert Alliance
Raquel Tardin-Coehlo, Curtin University

Cross-cultural collaborative approaches to land and sea management, ecological research and the development and implementation of environmental laws and policies, are increasingly promoted as the gold star for projects and programs. Such initiatives seek to promote self-determination within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Communities, On Country and through commercial activities. To be successful, this requires organisations to define, implement and evaluate standards of professional ethical practice that meet the expectations of the United Nations through the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, is pragmatic and that is Indigenous-lead. The concept of Cultural Safety, has established itself in several sectors as a prerequisite for professional ethical practice, notably healthcare and business (as psychological safety). The environment sector is still finding its feet as regards the thinking around, and the application of, Cultural Safety. We present an expanded, forward-looking concept of Cultural Safety that we refer to as Culturally-safe Spaces and Opportunities, a synthesis of good practices from other sectors aligned with the environment sector, and lessons we have learnt from our attempts to embed attitudes, behaviours and institutions the promote Culturally-safe Spaces and Opportunities through cross-cultural collaborative approaches with Aboriginal Corporations, Aboriginal-led businesses and Aboriginal Ranger Teams. This provides a new pragmatic way to think about Cultural Safety that promotes its uptake, tools for mainstreaming it into organisations, and methods for tracking it so as to enhance the capacity of forward-thinking organisations committed to ensuring the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and allies.

Caring for the canary: Understanding Hakea victoria and other obligate seeders of Fitzgerald River National Park in the face of increasing fire frequency

Dylan Korczynskyj, The University of Notre Dame Australia

Co-Author:
Tasmin Lancaster, University of Notre Dame Australia

Anecdotal evidence shows that the floristic icon of Fitzgerald River National Park, Hakea victoria, is declining in some areas, and too frequent fire is likely to blame and may risk a similar fate for other obligate seeders. Despite its charismatic appearance H. victoria is under-studied and to remedy this we joined forces with the Friends of the Fitz to take the first step to better understand the implications of increasing fire frequency associated with a drying climate. Our space-for-time approach revealed vital statistics about critical life stages of the species. This included: a juvenile period of 5-years, steadily increasing fruit production across the lifespan that can exceed a century; high viability of new seed rapidly declines with canopy storage; minor inter-fire recruitment, and population thinning with time-since-last-fire. This new information helps to identity the optimum fire-return interval for this species, but what about the other +100 obligate seeders in the Park? This as where the story continues. State NRM Community Stewardship funding of the Friends is enabling an extension of the project to a representative sample of obligate seeders, with additional value-adding plans to engage Indigenous Rangers and more students: watch this space!

Fostering inspiration and hope within sustainability transitions: Insights from bright spots in large landscape-scale restoration

Emma Ligtermoet, CSIRO

Co-Authors:
Peat Leith, CSIRO
Keith Bradby, Gondwana Link

Inspiration and hope are fundamental to achieving beneficial change on a troubled planet, yet are under-explored and under-applied in broad environmental management and sustainability transitions. Yet inspiration and hope play important roles in fostering collaborative and distributed networked initiatives. Intermediary, or backbone organisations, as important catalysers within action-networks can play a critical role inspiring, connecting and translating diverse actions to support distributed networks. We applied a bright spots approach to understand how large-scale restoration initiatives can generate hope together with inspired, innovative action and just approaches to landscape restoration. We present findings from research undertaken in collaboration with Gondwana Link, a large landscape-scale restoration backbone organisation entraining ecological and social connectivity across south-western Australia. Bright spots in these initiatives included holding an ambitious yet achievable vision, taking relational and co-producing approaches that respects knowledge and operational plurality and attends to issues of social and environmental justice, while diversifying learning to intentionally foster environmental care, place-attachment and reconciliatory understanding. Adaptive management has long emphasised learning as critical process, but is yet to commonly adopt such diversified learning approaches, that include storying in partnership with the arts and humanities, into environmental management. Lessons from these bright spots in restoration provide insights for diverse contexts where adaptive and transformative change is required.

Leveraging disparate datasets to reveal the fire responses of a globally significant mammal community

Tim Doherty, Fire Science Program, DBCA

Co-Authors:
Billy Geary, University of Melbourne
Marika Maxwell, Animal Science Program, DBCA
Adrian Wayne, Animal Science Program, DBCA
Julia Wayne, Warren Region, DBCA

Appropriate fire management is crucial to biodiversity conservation but is often hampered by sparse knowledge of how animals respond to fire, particularly at the community level. This study leverages multiple existing datasets to determine how a globally significant mammal community responds to time since fire in forests of the Upper Warren region. The community comprised eight medium-sized and large marsupials (four threatened) and two introduced eutherian predators. Camera trap data from 10 projects over 10 years (>1 million detections) were assigned to 2400 site-surveys spanning 055 years since fire. Generalised linear mixed effects models showed that two marsupials were most common at the oldest fire ages and three were most common at the youngest fire ages. Two other marsupials and one introduced predator peaked at 2025 years since fire, and one marsupial and the other introduced predator showed no relationship with time since fire. These results shed new light on the fire responses of these species and challenge previously untested assumptions about the fire responses of certain species. Further analyses that account for detectability, spatial autocorrelation and fire severity are planned. These results can inform appropriate fire return intervals for threatened fauna in the southern jarrah forest.

Just what should we be teaching undergraduate Biodiversity scientists?

Kristina Lemson, School of Science, Edith Cowan University

“Biodiversity Science” is a term gaining increasing use, but there is surprisingly little explicit discussion of how it is conceptualised. This is important because the amount of biodiversity-related data, the breadth of its application and need for professionals who understand its generation, structure and curation are all increasing. I compared my pilot bibliometric study of ‘biodiversity science’ with the skills and conceptual knowledge expected of recent graduates entering biodiversity-related fields, and found some important gaps, mismatches and opportunities. My work suggests that those of us practising in the field should be asking what kind of education is required to meet the challenges of biodiversity science, and raises some important questions about not only content but also methods and frameworks within which this learning can occur.

Burning Bridges: Early eradication and management of invasive species

Normandie González-Orellana, Curtin University

Co-Author:
Benjamin Phillips, Curtin University

Early intervention of invasive species is often cited as the best course of action because the costs from long-term management and damages caused by the species are less when it is less abundant and/or constrained to a small area. Literature suggests that there is a point in the invasion curve after which management becomes too expensive, and eradication unfeasible (hereon referred to as critical point). Interventions before this critical point are referred to as early. Nonetheless, the definition of early is not clear. In fact, given the complexities and circumstantial nature of biological invasions, this critical point is not static. Here, we propose a mathematical description of this critical point by arguing that it is influenced by time, population dynamics, and the budgetary constraints of the management program. We use computer simulations to evaluate the robustness of this definition to a more stochastic model. Identifying the critical point in the invasion process before which intervention can be classified as early could aid policy makers and managers to take informed decisions on how to allocate resources given the population dynamics of the invasive population and the budgetary constraints of the management program.

Carbon addition for ecological restoration: Using sugar to suppress invasive plant species

Jack Wallace, Curtin University

Co-Authors:
Michael Just, Curtin University
Simone Pedrini, Curtin University
Shane Turner, Curtin University

Invasive plant species pose major challenges to ecological restoration by altering soil nutrient dynamics, establishing persistent seed banks, and creating feedback loops that suppress native vegetation. Traditional control methods, such as mechanical removal, herbicides, and prescribed burns, have demonstrated variable success and often require high resource investment and ongoing management. A promising alternative approach involves adding carbon-based (e.g. sucrose, sawdust or biochar) to stimulate microbial nitrogen immobilisation, reducing nitrogen availability and facilitating native plant establishment. This research investigates the efficacy of sugar-based carbon additions in suppressing invasive species and promoting native plant establishment in degraded bushland ecosystems in Western Australia. The study employs a combination of Petri dish germination assays, glasshouse experiments, and field trials to assess how sugar influences weed biomass, soil nitrate availability, and microbial activity. It also evaluates the role of microbial interactions by comparing sterilised and unsterilised soil. Findings from this research will inform the use of carbon amendments as a restoration tool and contribute to the development of scalable, nutrient-based strategies for invasive species management.