Funded by: Australian Federal Government National Landcare Program – Environment Small Grants.
Project Outline:
There have been very few investigations on the water mouse within the Mackay region, little is known about them and their key threats. This lack of knowledge has undermined the ability of organisations to implement effective conservation. This project aimed to address the knowledge gaps and provide management recommendations to land managers with water mouse habitat, including the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS). It also aimed to reduce the impacts of feral predators on the water mouse. Information was gathered through remote camera monitoring, and cameras were set to take images of water mouse and pests. The project also has a strong focus on community engagement and education. Four sites were identified for the study, which are Cape Palmerston National Park, Sandringham Bay Conservation Park, Bakers Creek Conservation Park, and Skull Knob Conservation Park.
Project Outcomes:
- Habitat ground truthing: Over 130ha of mapped mangrove mouse habitat was ground truthed, to confirm whether the species is still present in these areas.
- Camera monitoring: Motion-activated cameras were installed to survey mangrove mouse populations, and identify any threatening processes.
- Pest management: A conservation detection dog searched key habitat areas for fox dens, which were fumigated to humanely euthanise the pests. Foxes are a major predator of the mangrove mouse, so their exclusion is important to protect local populations.
- Community education: Field days and communications products were delivered to increase community awareness of mangrove mice
PCL commenced the project in August 2018, and it concluded in December 2019. We would like to give thanks to the volunteers who supported us during the field activities of the project, as well as to the in-kind contributions from Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, Reef Catchments and SQ Landscapes.