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Innes National Park Biodiversity Blitz

Threatened and vulnerable hooded plovers, tammar wallabies and western whipbirds were some of the species monitored by 45 volunteers, students and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) staff members in a Biodiversity Blitz survey conducted late last year.

The dedicated team of DENR staff and volunteers participated in the Biodiversity Blitz to undertake on-ground works and to survey nine sites on the southern Yorke Peninsula and within Innes National Park.

DENR volunteer support ranger Cristina Vicente said the aim of the Biodiversity Blitz was to improve habitat condition for several threatened species and to collect data to assess habitat management strategies, such as prescribed burning.

“Eight on-ground projects were conducted by staff and volunteers including monitoring of micro-bats, hooded plovers, western whipbirds and tammar wallabies,” Ms Vicente said.

“Hooded plover numbers were much higher than expected with a total of 35 adults recorded, and sightings of dolphins along several Innes National Park walks were a highlight for the volunteers involved.”

Northern and Yorke community liaison officer Deborah Furbank said a large number of local volunteers and partner organisations were involved in the project.

“The Biodiversity Blitz offered relevant training opportunities for volunteers, provided educational talks and reinforced relationships with external organisations,” Ms Furbank said.

“Feedback from participants at the event was very positive and we were pleased with the enthusiasm that the volunteers brought to the Biodiversity Blitz.”

The Biodiversity Blitz was funded and co-organised by the Biodiversity and Endangered Species Team (volunteer group) with support from DENR Northern and Yorke community engagement project staff.