PROTECTING THE CENTRAL ROCK RAT
The critically endangered central rock-rat (Zyzomys pendunculatus). Photo: P. McDonald.
PROTECTING THE CENTRAL ROCK RAT (ZYZOMYS PENDUNCULATUS)
Territory Natural Resource Management (TNRM) has been contracted under the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program to deliver a project that will stabilise or improve the trajectory of the central rock-rat through predator and on-ground management.
TNRM has formed partnerships with Indigenous ranger groups, Traditional Owners and the Flora and Fauna Division of the Northern Territory Government in Central Australia to carry out this project.
TNRM entered an agreement with the Flora and Fauna Division from Alice Springs to undertake emergency intervention of feral cat control and monitoring for cats and central rock-rats in Tjoritja/MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
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Camera traps were deployed across two ranges on rugged mountain tops accessible only by helicopter.
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Cameras were revisited in June and August to change SD cards, batteries and refresh bait attractants
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Feral cat control was undertaken in June. Camera trapping data will allow scientists to analyse before and after baiting numbers of cats to identify how well cat management has worked.
One known population of central rock-rats occurs outside of a protected area on Mount Edward, land that is managed through Anangu Luritjiku rangers based in Papunya.
TNRM will be engaging with these rangers and Traditional Owners to determine monitoring and habitat assessment requirements, and liaise with experts to advise on fire and feral cat management.