The monitoring needs and priorities of protected areas evolve over time. For example, emerging technologies such as camera traps, song meters, and eDNA are now enabling scientists and managers to tackle management issues with new approaches. In the Northern Territory, a new monitoring framework is being tested in Kakadu, an integral site due to its large size and biodiversity significance. The framework aims to:
This project is trialling a revised ecological monitoring framework in Kakadu National Park and evaluating its effectiveness for detecting and reporting trends in terrestrial vertebrates and habitat condition. The monitoring undertaken will also inform Park managers on the effectiveness of management actions to address threats to biodiversity including feral cats, introduced species and fire regimes.
The findings from this project will help further optimise the framework so it suits Kakadu and contributes to an integrated monitoring system across major protected areas in the northern NT. The trial builds on previous work across the NT’s protected areas and will help optimise monitoring to maximise cost-effectiveness and to ensure alignment with Park priorities.
The findings will greatly improve our ability to detect and evaluate ecological changes across the region and will lead to better management of national parks and other areas managed for biodiversity.
This project is:
Project activities
Project outputs
This project is being led by Dr Graeme Gillespie from the Northern Territory Government.
Dr Gillespie will be supported by researchers and staff from the Northern Territory Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security as well as Kakadu National Park.
This project is due for completion in June 2021.
Contact
e: [email protected]