Publications
Don Langford
Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Arid Zone Research Institute, April 1999
Current Species Status: - Endangered (ANZECC, 1998), Endangered ESP.ACT(1992), Specially Protected (Regulations of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act), Appendix 1 of CITES. Formerly distributed throughout spinifex deserts of central and western Australia. Mainland subspecies now presumed extinct in the wild and reduced to captive colonies. Bernier and Dorre Island subspecies (W.A.) apparently stable.
Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors: - Formerly in low shrubland of eastern Wheatbelt (W.A.) but mainly in spinifex hummock grasslands of central deserts (N.T., W.A. and S.A.). Tanami colonies formerly associated with saline paleodrainage system, sand-dunes and tight fire patterns. Large areas of spinifex desert appear suitable providing exotic predator (cats and foxes) and rabbits are at low densities or controlled and fire is properly managed.
To undertake conservation actions which:
A recovery team comprising members from PWCNT, CALM, EA, DEHAA, CSIRO, CLC, Monarto Zoological Park, Western Plains Zoo and other organisations, as appropriate, will be appointed to coordinate and supervise the following actions:
#Action 1.6 covers field management of the proposed Threatened Species Enclosure (NHT 1998-1999: Commonwealth ID: 00013578) which is funded until 2001. From 2001 this action is costed as a continuing recovery action under the Mala Recovery Plan.
#Action 4.1 covers the construction of the proposed Threatened Species Enclosure and is funded separately (NHT 1998-1999: Commonwealth ID: 00013578) until 2001.
N/BNo budget (budget yet to be determined by state agencies)
Total cost (TC) and Endangered Species Program (ESP) funds required (= TC - other contribution) 
Recovery of this species will require elimination or control of threatening processes. Actions undertaken and sanctioned by the Mala Recovery Plan, such as predator control and habitat management, will benefit a range of plant and animal species and communities in managed sites in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The Rufous Hare-wallaby or Mala, Lagorchestes hirsutus was described in 1844 from specimens obtained by John Gilbert in the wheatbelt country of Western Australia (Gould 1844). They are small rabbit-sized wallabies standing approximately 300 mm high and weighing between 700 g and 2 kg. Their fur colour, particularly on the hind quarters, chest and abdomen, is a rich sandy buff. The fur on the head and back has a greyish white tint and hair length increases towards the lower portion of the back, giving the animal a conspicuous 'shaggy' appearance (Troughton 1965). The species name hirsutus refers to this characteristic. There is no apparent colour differentiation between the sexes, but females are on average larger than males of similar age. Like the other members of its group, the mala is generally considered to be nocturnal and solitary.
Two distinct island sub-species of the mala have also been recognised (Tate 1948, Troughton 1965). The Bernier Island sub-species, L. hirsutus bernieri, has shorter ears and its pelage is noticeably paler in colour, while the Dorre island form, L. hirsutus dorreae, is redder than the mainland form and its skull is narrower between the orbits (Troughton 1965). Investigations by Courtney (1993) support maintenance of the island subspecies. The central Australian population of mala retains a high level of genetic variation and there is no genetic evidence that this viability has been lost over the short term. However one recommendation from genetic research recently undertaken suggests that to prevent the loss of radiation it is imperative that the current captive population be rapidly increased in size (preferably into the thousands) as the current population size is too small to preserve the genetic diversity this population currently contains. From a genetic viewpoint, the captive population should be used to source all reintroduction efforts. The mainland group therefore retains greater genetic diversity than those found on Bernier and Dorre Islands. It is likely that the island mala have been through a series of genetic bottleneck accounting for loss of genetic diversity.
Though this recent genetic work provides valuable management guidance, particularly in emphasising the critical importance of dispersing inland mala to secure island or mainland sites, further taxonomic work should be undertaken to confirm mala taxonomy. The mala type specimen (Lagorchestes hirsutus hirsutus) held in the Museum of Natural History - London, has not undergone genetic examination. Efforts will be made to obtain material from the museum to determine this animal's relationship to other currently dispersed populations. For the present however, the sub-species definition will stand and the species will retain this status in the revised ANZECC list of Threatened Vertebrates (1998)
The current status of the mala on mainland Australia is precarious and on Bernier and Dorre Islands it is certainly vulnerable Maxwell et.al. 1996). Legal protection and recognition of the species' threatened status are afforded by way of its listing on the following International and Australian conventions:
The mala is one of five described species of hare-wallabies, a group of small to medium-sized macropods (1-3kg) that were formerly widespread through inland regions of Australia. Over the past 60 years the distribution of all the hare-wallabies has declined severely.
The mainland subspecies of the mala is now represented in the Mala Paddock near Lake Surprise (Yinapaka) in the Tanami Desert - NT, on Trimouille Island off the Pilbara coast, WA and in captive colonies at Alice Springs Desert Park, Monarto Zoological Park, SA, Western Plains Zoological Park, NSW and Dryandra Woodland Compound. WA. Recent events have served to demonstrate the susceptibility of these populations to extinction due to introduced predators or wildfire. During the later part of 1987 one localised population of mala was driven to extinction due to predation by a single fox (Lundie-Jenkins 1989). More recently, an extensive wildfire in the area of the then last remaining 'wild' colony caused that colony's extinction. Cats and Foxes have been a recurring problem in programs to reintroduce captive-bred mala into the Tanami Desert (Gibson et al. 1994).
The Bernier and Dorre Island populations of mala (L.hirsutus bernieri & L.hirsutus dorreae) appear to be relatively stable (Short and Turner 1991). However, island populations are well known for their susceptibility to catastrophic events and consequently, severe population fluctuations.
Direct protection of the species' island habitats is provided through land reservation with both Bernier and Dorre Islands classified as Class 'A' nature reserves, with strictly controlled access. By comparison the Tanami colonies occur on Aboriginal freehold land. However, negotiations are underway between the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory and traditional owners via the Central Land Council (CLC) for the establishment of conservation areas to protect the species. Programs of fire management, predator control and experimental reintroduction have been carried out in the Tanami Desert in collaboration with Warlpiri Aborigines. The current political climate between Aborigines, CLC and PWCNT suggests that the negotiation of conservation areas in the Tanami will continue to be problematic.
The mala was once one of the most abundant and widespread macropods of central Australia. The accounts of early explorers bear testimony to this fact, and the extent of its former distribution is well reported by Aborigines (Burbidge et al. 1988). They recorded that L. hirsutus was once distributed throughout the great spinifex deserts and peripheral shrublands of Australia's central west.
The former distribution of L. hirsutus has previously been projected by a number of authors (Shortridge 1909, Newsome 1971, Burbidge and Johnson 1983; Fig.1). These have generally shown that the species was distributed through the interior areas of Western Australia, northern South Australia and the central and southern regions of the Northern Territory. Some uncertainty, however, surrounds the exact limits of the species' former range, particularly its eastern and northern limits. Past location records for L. hirsutus come from Macdonald Downs north east of Alice Springs to Beverly in south-west WA, and from Banka Banka in the north to Everard in South Australia. The absence of records from some areas within the presumed limits of the species may well be an artefact of inadequate sampling. It may also reflect the mode of occurrence of this species which was reported by Finlayson (1961), during his extensive surveys through central Australia between 1931 and 1956, as being:
'fluctuating and discontinuous and with isolated colonies widely sundered',a view also supported by Ride and Tyndale-Biscoe (1962). It could however also reflect a persistently discontinuous distribution.
|
Bernier & Dorre Islands |
 |
|
Figure 1. Historic and former distribution of mala |
|
Over the past sixty years the mala has suffered a severe decline and at the present time it is considered one of the rarest and most limited mammal species in its distribution. Extensive ground and aerial surveys through regions of the Northern Territory and Western Australia (Gibson 1986, Burbidge and Pearson 1988) have failed to locate additional populations. The last known 'wild' mainland populations of mala from a small region of the Tanami Desert, NT were driven to extinction by exotic predators and wildfire (Lundie-Jenkins et al. 1993b, Johnson & Lundie-Jenkins 1994). At present the species is known only from Bernier, Dorre Island and Trimouille islands off the western Australian coast and from captive populations in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, and South Australia (Langford 1998).
In February 1998 the distribution of mala in South Australia, NSW, Western Australia and NT was:
Mainland subspecies - Lagorchestes.hirsutus undescribed subspecies.
South Australia (Monarto Zoological Park) 6 mala
NSW (Western Plains Zoo)13 mala
NT (PWCNT Arid Zone Research Institute) 45 mala
NT (Mala Paddock) 200 mala (approx)
NT (Alice Springs Desert Park) 5 mala
WA (Dryandra) 40 mala (approx)
WA (Trimouille Island)50 mala (approx)
Island subspecies
WA (Bernier and Dorre islands) 4000 (approx)
Mala on Bernier and Dorre Islands are found in heath or open steppe associations and in spinifex or porcupine grass (Triodia) areas (Ride and Tyndale-Biscoe 1962, Short & Turner 1991). By comparison recently extant colonies in the Tanami Desert occupied areas dominated by mature, but not senescent, spinifex Triodia pungens (Bolton and Latz 1978). Earlier accounts indicate that a range of other habitat types was also utilized by the species. Gilbert (in Gould 1863) described his original specimens as coming from low scrub country, while Finlayson (1963) gives an account of Aborigines hunting mala through spinifex-mulga country with the use of fire. Unfortunately the greater part of our knowledge of the species' habitat preferences is derived from studies carried out in recent times, over their presently limited range.
Studies in the Tanami Desert showed that mala in these regions were dependent upon a specialised form of spinifex habitat (Lundie-Jenkins 1989). Aspects of the habitat structure and diversity appear to be important in delineating between suitable and unsuitable areas. Patchiness, hummock size, food diversity and the degree of senescence, in particular, were identified as influential factors. The adjacency and accessibility of each of these factors to the mala also appears to be crucial.
Mala in the Tanami Desert showed definite seasonal patterns of habitat use (Lundie-Jenkins 1993). The dispersal activity of hare-wallaby between and within two adjacent vegetation systems was found to vary in response to the availability and palatability of feed plants. The home ranges of individual hare-wallabies were found to consist of large areas within the dense spinifex habitat and small concentrated feeding areas within caliche habitat.
Fire generated succession is thought to be important in creating the combinations of habitat features favoured by the mala. Areas of spinifex regenerating after fire provide important feeding areas for L. hirsutus (Bolton & Latz 1978, Lundie-Jenkins et al. 1993). The density of wallaby sign in one burnt area sampled by Lundie-Jenkins (1993) was found to be three times higher than that in an adjacent unburnt site. Regrowth in such areas is generally more succulent and nutritious than the mature vegetation. Observations of fire recovery in a number of non-spinifex plants indicate that some are intolerant to frequent fires. Mature spinifex stands, greater than 5 years since fire, is important in terms of daytime shelter. Fire appears to be of less importance on Bernier and Dorre islands where natural habitat diversity is higher (Short & Turner 1991).
The greater part of our knowledge of the life history traits for the mala is derived from studies conducted on the recently extant mainland populations in the Tanami Desert (Bolton & Latz 1978, Lundie-Jenkins 1993). Only limited amount of comparative data is available from studies of the island forms of mala (Ride & Tyndale-Biscoe 1962).
Mala were found to utilise a large range of food plants within their environment on a seasonal basis (Ride & Tyndale-Biscoe 1962, Pearson 1988, Lundie-Jenkins et al. 1993). In the Tanami Desert perennial grasses, principally Eragrostis falcata and Eriachne obtusa, were the most consistent 'staple' food items. Monocot seeds were a favoured food item when available and sub-shrubs and shrubs acted as important secondary food plants. The mala showed dramatic shifts between preferred species in relation to their availability and palatability. Insects appear to be an important source of dietary nitrogen when conditions are poor and productivity is low.
In captivity mala were found to breed virtually continuously throughout the year (Lundie-Jenkins 1989). Reintroduced mala at two sites in the Tanami also showed no seasonality of births but survival of pouch young appeared to be strongly influenced by rainfall and hence food quality. Age at sexual maturity for females ranged between 5 and 18 months and for males was approximately 14 months. Captive reared animals remained reproductive up to 8 years of age.
Good historic veterinary data is available on the mala in the Alice Springs Desert Park (ASDP colony, which has been monitored by veterinarians since its inception (Phelps, 1998). Due to its location and the limited number of studies undertaken, little is known of the disease status of the mala in and around the Tanami Paddock. The animals at the ASDP facilities have been kept under strict quarantine isolation from other mammals except for domestic and native rodents. The mala in the Tanami enclosure are not in contact with any domestic or feral livestock and consequently diseases of domestic livestock are of no importance. Cats, foxes and dingoes have made rare short-term incursions into the Tanami Paddock and consequently transmission of toxoplasmosis needs to be considered. Mala are known to host ectoparasites and endoparasites. Although there are a large number of viral diseases of macropods none have been diagnosed in mala. However bacterial disease has been a minor (though potentially serious) problem in the ASDP colony. Tuberculosis caused by a member of the MAIS complex of micro-organisms has been diagnosed in mala. The disease was successfully controlled by modify husbandry practices. Two forms of fungal disease have been diagnosed in ASDP managed mala. Wildlife disease and its impact on small populations is a rapidly expanding field of research and it is becoming apparent that the importance of wildlife diseases in small populations of endangered animals increases as populations decline and available habitat decreases. Further veterinary work elsewhere into wildlife diseases is likely to raise
Trials conducted by King (1998) found inland mala to have a high tolerance to the compound 1080. All animals tested survived doses up to 20 mg/kg. This is significantly higher than Lagorchestes conspicillatus, which died at levels of around 5 mg/kg. On this basis mala should be at almost no risk from accidental poisoning during any rabbit or fox control programs. Kings findings also provide confidence that mala could be successfully translocated into areas where there is a natural abundance of fluoroacetate bearing vegetation, such as that in south west of Western Australia. The translocation of mala to the Dryandra Woodland Compound in the West Australian wheat belt in March 1998 occurred with confidence that mala could establish in areas containing large numbers of Gastrolobium plants that produce fluoroacetate in leaves and flowers that may at times form part of the mala diet.
Mala were still common in the Tanami Desert until the 1930s but their numbers crashed dramatically in the years that followed. It is likely that a number of changes occurred in the habitats once occupied by mala following European settlement in central Australia. These changes were sometimes subtle, at times glaring, but their impact on the mala and many other desert animals was dramatic. Rabbits may have had an effect in the south, but not in the north. Cattle and sheep may have competed with Mala in southwestern parts of their range during the late nineteenth century, but in general Mala occupied the un-grazed desert lands. Some other factor or combination of factors must have been at work.
The movement of Aboriginal people from their traditional country to settlements, missions and cattle stations is thought to have played a role in the mala's decline. A change to a more sedentary lifestyle often distant from traditional homelands largely put an end to traditional Aboriginal burning of the spinifex country. This had been a common practise in inland Australia before European settlement and involved setting fire to small patches in winter - a practise often described as 'fire stick farming'. It reduced the risk of more destructive, summer bushfires because it removed a lot of the flammable spinifex. But patch burning was also very helpful to animals like the mala. It produced a diverse habitat with areas of mature vegetation where the animals could shelter, areas of succulent new growth where the animals could feed. When Aboriginal people stopped burning the Tanami Desert, the habitat changed and the mala were effected. Attempts are now being made to reintroduce Aboriginal patch burning practices in parts of the Northern Territory.
However important 'fire stick farming' may have been in protecting the mala's home in the past another factor, predation by feral cats and foxes, is now considered to be the major cause of decline or extinction of many native species, including the mala.
A captive-breeding colony of mala was established in Alice Springs in 1980 using 'wild' stock obtained from the Tanami Desert. The aim of establishing this colony was to breed the species successfully in captivity to supply animals for reintroduction into parts of their former range. Stock from this colony have also been used to establish additional captive colonies at Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo, N.S.W.), and the Monarto Zoological Park SA and Dryandra Compound, WA (Table 2).
Table 2
Captive Mala Colonies (December1998)
| Location | Composition M:F:J |
Total |
|
| Alice Springs Desert Park | Alice Springs |
17:24:1 |
42 |
| Western Plains Zoo | Dubbo |
4:6:0
|
10
|
| Monarto Zoological Park | Adelaide |
3:2:0
|
5
|
| Dryandra Compound | Dryandra Forest |
7:11:7
|
25
|
|
TOTAL |
31:43:8 |
82 |
|
Though a number of taxonomic studies have been undertaken over the past few years (Courtney 1993, Eldridge and Spencer (in prep) the mala's taxonomic status is still not clear. It is important for the management of the three extant subspecies for their evolutionary relationships to be established. The British Museum of Natural History holds the type specimen of the subspecies Rufous Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus hirsutus). The museum will be approached to obtain a small tissue specimen to enable Australian geneticists to establish the genetic relationships between the sub species.
The translocated mala at Dryandra and Peron Peninsula will be periodically captured and tissue specimens taken to establish baseline genetic data from the foundation stock at these localities. This is important, as the ultimate objective of the breeding programs is the establishment of new mala populations within the mala's known historic range. Preserved tissues will enable measurements of genetic drift and inbreeding levels in translocated populations and in consequence enable managers to take appropriate management decisions to avoid loss of population fitness.
Two experiments in reintroducing the mala have been initiated: one at the site of the colony that went extinct in 1987 and the other in the fresh-water paleo-drainage line that traditional Aboriginal owners selected on the basis of habitat suitability and use by mala in living memory. Both have suffered setbacks due to the impact of exotic predators, principally feral cats (Gibson et al. 1994, Lundie-Jenkins & Bellchambers 1994) and more recently foxes (Langford 1997). Both programs have significantly increased our knowledge of the processes and logistics of reintroduction's and provided insights into the factors effecting natural and reintroduced mala populations. Whilst small mala populations persisted at both sites for between 20-38 months, neither was self sustaining and both no longer exist. The PWCNT ceased attempts at reintroduction until such time as exotic predators can be controlled in potential reintroduction sites in the Northern Territory.
Reintroductions are proposed from the mala population established Dyrandra Woodland Compound, WA and also from the proposed breeding population on Peron Peninsula, WA.
As a consequence of the failure or mala reintroductions in the Northern Territory the Mala Recovery Team chose to take advantage of offers from the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) to translocate mainland mala to Trimouille Island, in the Montebello Islands, off the Pilbara Coast, and to a large predator free enclosure at Dryandra, south east of Perth (Langford 1998). These translocations, undertaken in 1998, were very successful with 50 mala, including 20 small pouch young, making the long journey from central Australia. Assessment six weeks after the release on Trimouille Island indicated all but two mala had established - one had drowned, the other was not be located. Six months after release it was confirmed that at least 21 of the released mala were still alive on Trimouille Island. Assessment at Dryandra revealed that two mala had been killed by a raptor. Another mala died four weeks after release from complications likely to be caused by the stress of the translocation process. Overall the translocations are considered to have been extremely successful. A translocation is generally regarded as an operation fraught with risk. To move 50 mala from a remote location in the Tanami Desert to the two sites on or near the WA coast with minimal loss, indicates that the planning process and management techniques for this type of operation are well developed. It also provides confidence that other translocations of mala can be successfully undertaken in the future.
The Mala Project has had long involvement with the community, especially Aboriginal people living in the Tanami Desert. Since 1986, when the Mala Paddock was erected on Aboriginal land northwest of Willowra community, over 300 Aboriginal people - men, women and children - have worked at or visited the paddock. Aboriginal people vitally assisted in the construction of the Mala Paddock and since have devoted thousands of hours in maintaining it. PWCNT staff have worked on educational programs at the Willowra school and have assisted teachers and traditional owners conduct school excursions to the Mala Paddock. Project staff have produced or distributed educational for materials for the school and the community, including videos, posters, booklets and education broadsheets.
Project staff have also spoken at numerous community or council meetings to discuss aspects of the program, to educate and to gain community approval or on ground support for planned actions.
In Alice Springs mala project staff have worked cooperatively with National Threatened Species Network members to publicize and participate in threatened species educational activities. Dozens of school groups have visited PWCNT threatened species facilities and many lectures have been delivered in schools or at conferences. The development of the Alice Springs Desert Park and the prominent role played by mala in the Desert Park will only increase. Display of mala in western Plains Zoo and at Monarto Zoological Park also adds to public education about this species and of threatened species in general. Perth Zoo has expressed interest in participating.
Mala Project staff has been involved with the local and international tourist industry. For a number of years the project was supported by the Pacific, Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Central Australian Tourist Industry Association (CATIA)
The media has taken an active interest in the project numerous articles, many authored by PWCNT staff, have been published in national and international newspapers and magazines. Australian and overseas film and television companies have produced many documentaries about the project. The ABC recently produced a CD ROM titled 'Ingenious' in which the mala story is told. This CD was sent free to every school and public library in Australia and has generated great interest in the project.
Activities like those described above will continue and new community initiatives will be developed. The Mala Recovery Team recognizes the vital importance of community involvement and education in the recovery process.
This recovery plan will run for a term of 5 years from 1999 to 2003 inclusive. Six primary strategies will be pursued during this term and are presented below in order of proposed implementation. However, once commenced many of these strategies will be run concurrently.
A recovery team comprising members from PWCNT, CALM, ANPWS, CSIRO, DENRSA, Western Plains Zoo and other organisations, as appropriate, are appointed to coordinate and supervise these strategies. The recovery team will report annually to Environment Australia.
To undertake conservation actions which:
Improve the status (currently EXTINCT IN THE WILD - IUCN 1994) of the mainland subspecies Lagorchestes hirsutus unnamed subsp. to ENDANGERED based on IUCN 1994 criteria of population size and trends, extent of occurrence and probability of extinction within 5 years of recovery plan implementation.
Maintain the current status (VULNERABLE) of the mala on Bernier and Dorre islands over the 5 years of recovery plan implementation.
Recovery actions for the mala are presented below. Costing have been calculated at 1999 prices. Unless otherwise stated contributions by participating state agencies include salaries for research and technical staff. Actions undertaken as normal operations by state agency staff have not been costed.
The Mala Paddock must be visited regularly (every 4 -5 weeks) for management and maintenance purposes. Work at the paddock includes provision of food and water, fence maintenance, control burning and general maintenance of field infrastructure. Personnel required for this work generally include PWCNT staff and Aboriginal people from Willowra community.
| Costs | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| ESP | 76.6 | 80.4 | 84.4 | 89.2 | 93.7 |
| PWCNT | 27.8 | 24.2 | 25.5 | 26.9 | 28.6 |
NB: Numbers are rounded upward to nearest $100
NB: 5% salary and cost increases added each year
NB: No annual increment to travel allowance
| FTE | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | ||
| ESP | Salary P1/T2 consultant | 0.6 | 22.2 | 23.4 | 24.6 | 25.9 | 27.2 |
|
Operational P1/T2 consultant |
0.6 | 17.0 | 17.9 | 18.8 | 19.8 | 20.8 | |
| On-costs P1/T2 consultant | 0.6 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.0 | |
| Operational T1 | 0.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.1 | |
| Operational T4 | 0.1 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.5 | 3.7 | |
| Operational T2 (Stumpy) | 0.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.1 | |
| Aboriginal Consultants (2 x 25 days @ $120) | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.8 | ||
| Mala food | 2.4 | 2.6 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 3.2 | ||
| Consumables | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 2.7 | ||
| Travelling Allowance P1/T2 (35 days @ $70) | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | ||
| Travelling Allowance T4 (10 @ $70) | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | ||
| Travelling Allowance T1 (35 days @ $70) | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | ||
| Travelling Allowance T2 (10 days @ $70) | 07 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | ||
| Travelling Allowance T2 (10 days @ $70) | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | ||
| 76.6 | 80.4 | 84.4 | 89.2 | 93.7 | |||
| PWC |
Recruitment and relocation P1/T2 Salary |
5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
|
T4 Salary |
0.1 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 6.0 | |
|
T1 Salary |
0.2 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.9 | |
|
T2 (Stumpy) On-costs |
0.2 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.8 | |
|
T1 On-costs |
0.2 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 2.0 | |
|
T4 On-costs |
0.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | |
| T2 (Stumpy) | 0.2 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.3 | |
| 27.8 | 24.2 | 25.5 | 26.9 | 28.6 |
Assessment of the Bernier and Dorre island mala populations should be undertaken at least every 3 years following the procedures similar to those utilised by Short and Turner 1992. This will provide quantitative data on the abundance and distribution of mala on the 2 islands. The establishment of habitat assessment sites should also be undertaken in conjunction with these surveys.
| Costs | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 |
| ESP | 7.6 | 8.9 | |||
| CALM | 8.0 | 9.5 |
5% cost increase per year
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
Boat Charter |
2.6 |
|
3.0 |
|||
| Operational (Vehicle running) | 1.2 | 1.4 | |||||
| Airfares | 0.7 | 0.8 | |||||
| Food for volunteers | 0.3 | 0.4 | |||||
| Travel allowance | 2.0 | 2.3 | |||||
| Consumables | 0.8 | 1.0 | |||||
|
7.6 |
8.9 |
||||||
| CALM | Salary Research Scientist |
4.5 |
5.2 |
||||
|
Salary Technical Officer |
3.5 |
|
4.3 |
||||
|
8.0 |
9.5 |
This action encompasses management of the captive-breeding program at Dryandra Compound and subsequent translocations of mala into suitable predator controlled parks and reserves. It is envisaged that captive bred mala will be released into Dryandra forest (1999-2000), Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve (2000-2001), Lake Magenta Nature Reserve (2001-2002).
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
6.4 |
9.4 |
9.9 |
10.4 |
N/B |
|
CALM |
57.0 |
60.1 |
63.3 |
66.6 |
N/B |
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
Operational |
6.4 |
9.4 |
9.9 |
10.4 |
N/B |
|
|
CALM |
Salary Principal Research Scientist Salary Senior Technical Officer Salary Technical Assistant Enclosure maintenance |
.1 .1 .1 |
6.8 4.5 2.7 43.0 |
7.2 4.8 2.9 45.2 |
7.6 5.1 3.1 47.5 |
8.0 5.4 3.3 49.9 |
N/B |
|
57.0 |
60.1 |
63.3 |
66.6 |
N/B |
Thirty mala were translocated to Trimouille Island in June 1998. The Translocation Proposal stipulates that the mala will be checked one year after release and then once annually over the succeeding three years. This action supports the approved assessment regime.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
7.9 |
8.3 |
8.8 |
N/B |
N/B |
|
CALM |
7.0 |
7.3 |
7.6 |
||
|
PWCNT |
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
NB: 5% increase in airfares, accommodation, boat costs per year
NB: No increase in travel allowance
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
Airfares to Perth (Return) T4 Accommodation(Montebello Islands) Operational T4 Airfares Perth-Barrow Island x2 Helicopter charter - Barrow Island to Montebello Islands Travel Allowance T4 (7 days @ $70pd) |
|
1.1 0.3 1.5 1.5 3.0 0.5 |
1.2 0.4 1.6 1.5 3.1 0.5 |
1.3 0.5 1.7 1.6 3.2 0.5 |
N/B |
N/B |
|
7.9 |
8.3 |
8.8 |
|||||
|
CALM |
Salary Director (L9) Salary Senior Technical Officer (L4) Boat costs (Montebellos) |
4.0 2.5 0.5 |
4.1 2.6 0.6 |
4.2 2.7 0.7 |
|||
|
7.0 |
7.3 |
7.6 |
|||||
|
PWC |
Salary T4 On-costs T4 |
0.05 0.05 |
2.4 0.6 |
2.6 0.7 |
2.8 0.8 |
||
|
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
This action supports the maintenance and extension of a breeding colony of inland mala translocated from the Tanami Desert to a CALM managed breeding facility in François Peron National Park. Progeny of mala bred in the facility will be released into exotic predator controlled areas in the national park.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
30.0 |
12.0 |
14.1 |
N/B |
N/B |
|
CALM |
62.5 |
25.3 |
26.5 |
N/B |
N/B |
|
FTE |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||
|
ESP |
New mala pens (expansion) Feed / maintenance(additional mala) New monitoring equipment-released Travel costs for CALM scientists |
30.0 |
0 2.0 5.0 5.0 |
0 3.5 5.3 5.3 |
N/B |
N/B |
|
|
30.0 |
12.0 |
14.1 |
|||||
|
CALM |
Enclosure (existing) Salary Level 2-4 Scientist Feed and maintenance - pens Existing Monitoring equipment |
0.25 |
40.0 11.0 5.0 6.5 |
0 17.0 5.3 3.0 |
0 17.9 5.6 3.0 |
N/B |
N/B |
|
62.5 |
25.3 |
26.5 |
In 1998 the Parks and Wildlife Commission was successful in obtaining NHT funds to assist in the construction of an 'Enclosure for Threatened and Regionally Extinct Desert Animals' over the funding period 1998/1999 - 2000/2001. At the conclusion of the funding period (2001) continuing costs will be met by ESP and PWCNT and are provisionally accounted for below.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
96.5 |
100.8 |
56.2* |
59.1* |
62.1* |
|
PWCNT |
167.9 |
176.8 |
185.9 |
195.0 |
205.23 |
* Figure reflects no consultant (end of 2 year consultancy in 2000)
Preliminary budget only - dependent on construction of enclosure etc.
Field Management (after 2001) + 5% per year on everything
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
Aboriginal consultants fees Salary Consultant P1/T2 On-costs (consultants) Operational |
1.0 |
12.0 36.0 12.0 36.5 |
12.6 37.8 12.6 37.8 |
13.3 0 3.2 39.7 |
14.0 0 3.4 41.7 |
14.7 0 3.6 43.8 |
|
96.5 |
100.8 |
56.2 |
59.1 |
62.1 |
|||
|
PWC |
Salary P4 Scientist Salary T4 Technician Salary T1 Salary T2 (Ranger) Salary A03 Admin Assistant On-costs Operational |
0.2 0.5 0.3 0.5 0.05 |
13.9 25.1 9.5 18.0 1.8 17.1 82.5 |
14.6 26.4 10.0 18.9 1.9 18.0 87.0 |
15.4 27.8 10.5 19.9 2.0 18.9 91.4 |
16.2 29.2 11.0 20.9 2.1 19.9 96.0 |
17.1 30.7 11.5 21.9 2.2 20.9 101.0 |
|
167.9 |
176.8 |
185.9 |
195.0 |
205.3 |
The principal aims of the captive-breeding program for the mala are to secure and maintain representatives of the mainland gene pool in captivity; provide mala for re-introduction programs and for public education and the participation of the community in conservation. Captive populations are maintained at 3 institutions; the Alice Springs Desert Park (ASDP), Western Plains Zoo (WPZ) and Monarto Zoological Park (MZP). Keepers carry out husbandry of mala at the zoos. The zoos are members of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks (ARAZPA) and the mala breeding programs at each institution are guided by the principles and practices of that association. Maintenance of the mala studbook using the SPARKS program is the responsibility of the PWCNT as they maintain the largest captive mala population. The Curator of Zoology at ASDP is the Mala Species Coordinator and in this capacity maintains records and oversees the scientific breeding program at each institution. Costs to maintain the breeding program at the zoos include keeper salaries, purchase and maintenance of husbandry equipment, veterinary procedures, transport and administration expenses, the purchase of animal food and attendance at annual National Arid Zone Recovery Team meetings.
The Alice Springs Desert Park maintains a captive-breeding colony of approximately 50 mala. This is the largest captive-bred population of direct descendents from wild stock and as such is vital to the maintenance of genetic diversity for this species. The mala at the zoo are displayed in the nocturnal house providing opportunities for community education. Mala are a flagship species at the Desert Park and the PWCNT Mala Program is a key illustrative project used in endangered species conservation education. All costs associated with this action are met by the PWCNT as inkind contribution.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
PWCNT |
50.5 |
53.6 |
57.2 |
60.5 |
63.8 |
NB: Add 5% per year
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
PWC |
Salary T1 On-costs T1 (25%) Salary P3 ( SPARKS ) On-costs P3 (25%) Animal Food Veterinary Services Husbandry Equipment Operational |
0.6 0.05 0.05 |
16.3 4.1 3.1 0.8 5.9 2.5 0.8 17.0 |
17.2 4.4 3.3 0.9 6.2 2.7 1.0 17.9 |
18.6 4.7 3.5 1.0 6.6 2.9 1.1 18.8 |
19.6 5.0 3.7 1.1 7.0 3.1 1.2 19.8 |
20.6 5.3 3.9 1.2 7.4 3.3 1.3 20.8 |
|
50.5 |
53.6 |
57.2 |
60.5 |
63.8 |
Western Plains Zoo maintains a breeding population of approximately 15 mala. This population is integral in support of the scientific breeding program for the species, but also provides opportunities for community education about the species and threatened species conservation.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
5.2 |
5.6 |
6.1 |
6.6 |
7.1 |
|
WPZ |
4.0 |
4.4 |
4.7 |
5.0 |
5.3 |
NB: 5% increase per year
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
Animal food Veterinary Expenses Husbandry Equipment Recovery Team Meetings (Airfare) Travel Allowance (3 days @ $120 pd) |
|
2.0 0.6 1.0 1.1 0.5 |
2.1 0.7 1.1 1.2 0.5 |
2.3 0.8 1.2 1.3 0.5 |
2.5 0.9 1.3 1.4 0.5 |
2.7 1.0 1.4 1.5 0.5 |
|
5.2 |
5.6 |
6.1 |
6.6 |
7.1 |
|||
|
WPZ |
Salaries Keeper T1 (incl. records keeping) On-costs Keeper |
0.1 0.1 |
3.2 0.8 |
3.4 1.0 |
3.6 1.1 |
3.8 1.2 |
4.0 1.3 |
|
4.0 |
4.4 |
4.7 |
5.0 |
5.3 |
Monarto Zoological Park maintains a breeding population of approximately 15 mala. This population is vital to support the scientific breeding program for the species. It also provides opportunities for community education about the species and threatened species conservation.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
4.8 |
5.1 |
5.6 |
6.0 |
6.4 |
|
MZP |
4.0 |
4.4 |
4.7 |
5.0 |
5.3 |
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
Animal food Veterinary Expenses Husbandry Equipment Recovery Team Meeting (Airfare - x1) Travel Allowance (3days @ $120 pd |
|
2.0 0.2 1.0 1.1 0.5 |
2.1 0.2 1.1 1.2 0.5 |
2.3 0.3 1.2 1.3 0.5 |
2.5 0.3 1.3 1.4 0.5 |
2.7 0.3 1.4 1.5 0.5 |
|
4.8 |
5.1 |
5.6 |
6.0 |
6.4 |
|||
|
MZP |
Salary T1 keeper On-costs T1 Keeper |
0.1 0.1 |
3.2 0.8 |
3.4 1.0 |
3.6 1.1 |
3.8 1.2 |
4.0 1.3 |
|
4.0 |
4.4 |
4.7 |
5.0 |
5.3 |
Spencer and Eldridge are presently carrying molecular taxonomic work out using an independent genetic marker, to confirm previous taxonomic studies. The Marsupial CRC, Perth Zoo and Macquarie University are funding this work. No ESP funding is requested for this work.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
There is widespread recognition that populations with larger amounts of genetic variation (such as Mala in the Tanami population) are better adapted to cope with change. This action proposes that baseline assessment of 'genetic health' (genetic variation) contained within all translocated populations be carried out. This would allow the Recovery Team to assess how successful they have been in maintaining the large amounts of genetic variability detected in animals from the Tanami population. This work requires that each individual Mala be 'DNA fingerprinted' (using microsatellite markers), and then to assess how much genetic variability is contained in the 'new' populations at Dryandra, the Peron Peninsula and other translocation sites.
This action involves opportunistic collection and analysis of tissue samples from translocated mala. The action will be coordinated by CALM and PWCNT personnel during routine monitoring of captive colonies in Western Australia and the Northern Territory
Funding
Funding is sought from EA for the consumable costs of carrying out this program.
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
|
ESP |
1.5 |
||||
|
MCRC, PZ, MU |
6.8 |
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|||
|
ESP |
Consumables |
0 |
1.5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
1.5 |
|||||||
|
MCRC,PZ,MU |
Salary Post Doctoral Fellow Salary Post Doctoral Fellow |
0.05 0.05 |
0 0 |
3.4 3.4 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
|
0 |
6.8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
NHT funds were sought in 1997 to assist the PWCNT construct a 252 kilometer threatened species enclosure to protect up to six desert animal species that are either extinct, locally extinct or seriously endangered in central Australia. The mala was identified as one of these species. The funding application was successful and preliminary planning for the enclosure commenced during 1998. Whencomplete the facility should capable of sustaining a large mala population.
Continued funding to manage the enclosure is budgeted in this plan commencing in 2002 (see Action 4.1.6)
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
|
ESP |
114.0 |
117.0 |
N/B |
N/B |
N/B |
|
|
PWCNT |
124.500 |
128.5 |
N/B |
N/B |
N/B |
Animals for translocation would be transported by air from Willowra Peron Peninsula accompanied by a PWCNT handler. Translocation requires 10 days work (involving capture at the Mala Paddock (4 days), translocation of animals (1 day) and assessment/care of transferred animals at Peron Pens (5 days). Follow up assessment and care of the released animals would be undertaken by CALM and funded under Action 2.6
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
20.2 |
N/B |
N/B |
N/B |
N/B |
|
PWCNT |
3.0 |
Translocation to Peron
|
FTE |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||
|
ESP |
Salary P1/T2 consultant On-costs P1/T2 consultant Operational P1/T2 Operational T4 Aircraft Charter (freight) Airfares T4 Denham/Perth/A/Springs Travel Allowance T4 (@$70 pd - x10) Travel Allowance P1 (@$70 pd - x5 ) Travel Allowance T1 (@)$70 pd - x5 ) |
0.1 0.1 0.1 0.05 |
3.7 1.0 2.9 1.5 8.0 1.5 0.8 0.4 0.4 |
N/B |
N/B |
N/B |
N.B |
|
20.0 |
|||||||
|
PWC |
Salary T4 On-costs T4 |
0.05 0.05 |
2.4 0.6 |
|
|||
|
3.0 |
The participation of community groups in appropriate research and management actions will be sought and encouraged. Mala recovery actions in central Australia have involved the participation of traditional Aboriginal people in many facets of the program. This involvement will continue, as will efforts to involve other stakeholders and the general community.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
17.5 |
18.5 |
19.5 |
20.7 |
21.9 |
|
PWCNT |
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
3.9 |
4.2 |
|
TSN |
3.0 |
3.1 |
3.4 |
3.6 |
3.8 |
|
FTE |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||
|
ESP |
Salary P1/T2 consultant On-costs P1/T2 consultant Operational P1/T2 consultant Operational T4 Consumables |
0.2 0.2 0.2 0.05 |
7.4 1.9 5.7 1.5 1.0 |
7.8 2.0 6.0 1.6 1.1 |
8.2 2.1 6.3 1.7 1.2 |
8.7 2.2 6.7 1.8 1.3 |
9.2 2.3 7.1 1.9 1.4 |
|
17.5 |
18.5 |
19.5 |
20.7 |
21.9 |
|||
|
PWC |
Salary T4 On-costs T4 |
0.05 0.05 |
2.4 0.6 |
2.6 0.7 |
2.8 0.8 |
3.0 0.9 |
3.2 1.0 |
|
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
3.9 |
4.2 |
|||
|
TSN |
Publications/Publicity |
3.0 |
3.2 |
3.4 |
3.6 |
3.8 |
|
|
3.0 |
3.2 |
3.4 |
3.6 |
3.8 |
This action highlights the continuing importance of Aboriginal traditional owners and members the wider Aboriginal community in threatened species conservation. Traditional owners in the Tanami Desert, custodians of mala dreaming, have expressed their desire to visit project sites in Western Australia, including the site at Dryandra and at Peron Peninsula. The action involves consultation and liaison with Aboriginal community groups in the Tanami Desert, in the Dryandra region and in the Shark Bay region. Costs involve return travel to and accommodation in Western Australia for two traditional owners and one PWCNT staff member.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
6.9 |
16.4 |
17.0 |
18.9 |
20.2 |
|
PWCNT |
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
3.9 |
4.2 |
|
CALM |
4.3 |
4.7 |
5.1 |
5.5 |
5.9 |
|
FTE |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||
|
ESP |
Salary P1/T2 consultant On-costs P1/T2 consultant Operational P1/P2 consultant Operational T4 Airfares (Alice Springs - capital city return) 2 Aboriginal elders Accommodation @$70 pp per night ( 7 nights) Consultants fees @ $120pd x 7days, (2 elders) Travel allowance T4 @ $70 pd x 7 Travel allowance P1/T2 ( ' ) |
0.1 0.1 0.1 0.05 |
N/B N/B N/B 1.5 2.2 1.0 1.7 0.5 |
3.9 1.3 3.1 1.6 2.4 1.1 1.8 0.6 0.6 |
4.1 1.4 3.3 1.7 2.6 1.2 1.9 0.7 0.7 |
4.4 1.5 3.5 1.8 2.8 1.3 2.0 0.8 0.8 |
4.7 1.6 3.7 1.9 3.0 1.4 2.1 0.9 0.9 |
|
6.9 |
16.4 |
17.0 |
18.9 |
20.2 |
|||
|
PWC |
Salary T4 On-costs T4 |
0.05 0.05 |
2.4 0.6 |
2.6 0.7 |
2.8 0.8 |
3.0 0.9 |
3.2 1.0 |
|
3.0 |
3.3 |
3.6 |
3.9 |
4.2 |
|||
|
CALM |
Salary Level 2 Scientist Operational L2 Scientist On-costs L2 Scientist |
0.05 0.05 0.05 |
2.4 1.3 0.6 |
2.6 1.4 0.7 |
2.8 1.5 0.8 |
3.0 1.6 0.9 |
3.2 1.7 1.0 |
|
4.3 |
4.7 |
5.1 |
5.5 |
5.9 |
Following the interstate expansion of the mala recovery program, the increased involvement of zoos and the commencement of the threatened species enclosure in central Australia administration and coordination of the mala recovery program has increased notably and now consumes a significant amount of work time of the lead agency recovery plan coordinator. This includes regular reportage to EA, planning and undertaking interstate visits to assist with aspects of the recovery program, writing and revising the recovery plan, applying for funds (NHT) and planning and conducting recovery team meetings. Mala Recovery Team meetings are held concurrent with other arid zone species recovery team meetings (Joint Recovery Team Meeting) to reduce costs to agencies and member organisations. This action partly costs the administrative contribution of the recovery plan coordinator and also costs the contribution of a new consultant position (see action 4.1.1). Recovery team members come from many parts of Australia and substantial travel and accommodation costs are involved in convening full meetings of the group on an annual basis. State agencies and organisations as in-kind contributions meet these costs. All other administration costs for the recovery team are borne principally by the agencies. These costs include phone, facsimile, secretarial expenses and mailing.
|
Costs |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
|
ESP |
16.7 |
17.8 |
18.9 |
20.2 |
21.5 |
|
PWCNT |
12.0 |
12.7 |
13.5 |
14.3 |
15.1 |
|
FTE |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
||
|
ESP |
Salary P1/T2 consultant Operational P1/T2 consultant On-costs P1/T2 consultant Operational T4 Travel Allowance (3 days @ $120 pd (x 2) Airfares (x2) Recovery Team meeting |
0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 |
3.7 2.9 1.2 5.7 1.0 2.2 |
3.9 3.1 1.3 6.0 1.1 2.4 |
4.1 3.3 1.4 6.3 1.2 2.6 |
4.4 3.5 1.5 6.7 1.3 2.8 |
4.7 3.7 1.6 7.1 1.4 3.0 |
|
16.7 |
17.8 |
18.9 |
20.2 |
21.5 |
|||
|
PWCNT |
Salary T4 On-costs T4 |
0.2 0.2 |
9.6 2.4 |
10.1 2.6 |
10.7 2.8 |
11.3 3.0 |
11.9 3.2 |
|
12.0 |
12.7 |
13.5 |
14.3 |
15.1 |
|
Action # |
Action Description |
Pr. |
Feasib % |
Resp Party |
||||||||
|
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
Total |
|||||||
|
Inkind |
ESP |
|||||||||||
|
1 |
Field Management |
|||||||||||
|
1.1 |
Mala Paddock |
1 |
100 |
PWC |
A B |
76.6 28.8 |
80.4 24.2 |
84.4 25.5 |
89.2 26.9 |
93.7 28.6 |
133.0 |
424.3 |
|
1.2 |
Bernier & Dorre Island |
1 |
100 |
CALM |
A C |
7.6 8.0 |
8.9 9.5 |
17.5 |
16.5 |
|||
|
1.3 |
Dryandra Compound |
1 |
100 |
CALM |
A C |
6.4 57.0 |
9.4 60.1 |
9.9 63.3 |
10.4 66.6 |
N/B N/B |
247.0 |
36.1 |
|
1.4 |
Trimouille Island |
1 |
100 |
CALM |
A B C |
7.9 3.0 7.0 |
8.3 3.3 7.3 |
8.8 3.6 7.6 |
N/B N/B N/B |
N/B N/B N/B |
9.9 21.9 |
25.0 |
|
1.5 |
Peron Peninsula |
1 |
100 |
CALM |
A C |
30.0 62.5 |
12.0 25.3 |
14.1 26.5 |
N/B N/B |
N/B N/B |
114.3 |
56.1 |
|
1.6 |
New Enclosure (costed separately) |
1 |
100 |
PWC |
A B |
# # |
# # |
56.2 185.9 |
59.1 195.0 |
62.1 205.3 |
586.2 |
177.4 |
|
2 |
Captive Husbandry |
|||||||||||
|
2.1 |
Desert Park |
1 |
100 |
PWC |
B |
50.5 |
53.6 |
57.2 |
60.5 |
63.8 |
285.6 |
|
|
2.2 |
Western Plains Zoo |
1 |
100 |
WPZ |
A D |
5.2 4.0 |
5.6 4.4 |
6.1 4.7 |
6.6 5.0 |
7.1 5.3 |
23.4 |
30.6 |
|
2.3 |
Monarto Zoological Park |
1 |
100 |
MZP |
A E |
4.8 4.0 |
5.1 4.4 |
5.6 4.7 |
6.0 5.0 |
6.4 5.3 |
23.4 |
27.9 |
|
3 |
Population Taxonomy |
|||||||||||
|
3.1 |
Species taxonomy |
2 |
Perth Zoo |
A G |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
3.2 |
Baseline DNA Fingerprinting |
2 |
Perth Zoo |
A H |
0 0 |
1.5 6.8 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
6.8 |
1.5 |
|
|
4 |
Expansion of captive populations |
|||||||||||
|
4.1 |
Construction of new NT enclosure / translocations (costed separately) |
1 |
100 |
PWC |
AB |
# |
# |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
4.2 |
Peron Peninsula translocations |
1 |
PWC |
A B |
20.2 3.0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
0 0 |
3.0 |
20.2 |
|
|
5 |
Community involvement and education |
|||||||||||
|
5.1 |
Community involvement and education |
1 |
100 |
PWC TSN |
A B F |
17.5 3.0 3.0 |
18.5 3.3 3.2 |
19.5 3.6 3.4 |
20.7 3.9 3.6 |
21.9 4.2 3.8 |
18.0 17.0 |
98.1 |
|
5.2 |
Site visits by Aboriginal traditional owners |
1 |
100 |
PWC |
A B C |
6.9 2.9 4.3 |
16.4 3.2 4.7 |
17.6 3.5 5.1 |
18.9 3.8 5.5 |
20.2 4.1 5.9 |
18.0 25.5 |
80.0 |
|
6 |
Recovery Team |
|||||||||||
|
6.1 |
Recovery Team meetings/project evaluation/review |
1 |
100 |
PWC |
A B |
16.7 12.0 |
17.8 12.7 |
18.9 13.5 |
20.2 14.3 |
21.5 15.1 |
67.6 |
95.1 |
|
EA Other |
192.2 244.1 |
182.6 224.6 |
241.1 408.2 |
231.1 390.2 |
241.8 351.0 |
1618.1 |
1088.8 |
|||||
|
Total Project Cost |
2706.9 |
|||||||||||
Much of our current knowledge base on the Mala owes its origin to the generosity of funding bodies including World Wide Fund For Nature, The National Estate Grants-in-Aid Program and the Endangered Species Program and recently the Natural Heritage Trust. The author gratefully acknowledges the support provided by these groups in our efforts to conserve the Mala.
Appreciation is also extended to the Warlpiri Aboriginal people from the Yuendumu and Willowra communities, who have contributed valuable information and manpower to the mala program over a number of years.
The current improved status of the mala in Australia is largely the result of a team effort by scientists and wildlife managers in the NT and other Australian states. Particular thanks are due to Dr Ken Johnson who initiated the program in the early 1980's, Dr Geoff Lundie-Jenkins, Keith Bellchambers and Dr Geoff Moore who worked tirelessly to expand the program and to Geoff McKenzie, Jeff Cole, Dave Gibson, Debbie Parsons, Hilary Coulson, Rebecca Smith and Steve Eldridge who have spent much time in the field, workshop and laboratory. Staff from Western Plains Zoo, Monarto Zoological Park and Alice Springs Desert Park have contributed much time, skill and experience to the recovery program. In particular, the work Dr Graham Phelps, Zoo Species Coordinator for the species, is greatly appreciated.
Thanks also to co-workers at the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Western Australia, particularly Dr Andrew Burbidge, Phil Fuller, Dr Tony Friend, Clare Anthony, Neil Thomas and Dr Keith Morris whose hard work has enabled inland mala to return to Western Australia. Thanks also to the private companies Apache Energy and Faraday Pearls who provided sea and air transport in support of CALMS Montebello Renewal program and latterly the translocation to and monitoring of mala on Trimouille Island.
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