Remote cameras in national park showcase array of natives along with worrying presence of invasive animals

An emu chick, a possum riding on its mother’s back and a feral cat prowling in the bushes have all been captured by camera traps set up around a South West national park.

The daily life of the wild animals has been watched as part of a program to improve protection of native species under threat of extinction from introduced predators.

South West Natural Resource Management has been working with the Leschenault Biosecurity Group and the Leschenault Catchment Council to set up 46 remote cameras across Wellington National Park.

Since their installation the groups have captured hundreds of photos, with wedgetailed-eagles, quendas and echindas all posing for a shot.

South West NRM chief executive Manda Page said the cameras never failed to deliver incredible and fascinating insights into the nocturnal lives of native wildlife.

“From baby possums riding on their mumma’s backs, a kangaroo sunning himself to the various forms of curious wildlife inspecting the cameras up close and appearing to pose for a perfect selfie, it’s a highlight of the work undertaken by our project team,” she said.

Photos of pigs, deers and foxes on the hunt highlighted the importance of the overall project, looking to reduce the number of invasive animals entering the national park.

“Introduced predator control within the national park is undertaken by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, however beyond the boundaries of the park where privately-owned properties are located, the threat of invasive species often remains,” Dr Page said.

“Invasive predators pose a significant threat to our biodiversity and threatened species across all land tenures.

“Foxes and cats for instance are prolific hunters across natural, farmed and urban landscapes.”

Dr Page said Australia was leading the world in species extinction and reversing that trend required investment and a multi-faceted, collaborative approach.

She said Wellington National Park was one of the natural jewels in the crown of the South West, hosting a plethora of native animals found nowhere else on earth.

“We feel privileged to be working in the front lines on the issue, but are continually seeking out new opportunities to scale up our efforts,” Dr Page said.