Media Release No. 451

For release: 22 June 2012

TSRA RANGERS TARGET SIX ISLANDS FOR BIODIVERSITY PROFILING

The Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Land and Sea Management Unit will conduct vegetation and wildlife monitoring on six as part of a major biodiversity profile project.

Rangers will survey the plants and animals of Dauan, Saibai, Masig, Warraber, Poruma and Ugar islands over the next six months in collaboration with environmental consultants 3D, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and James Cook University.

The survey data will be used in the development of island biodiversity profiles which will underpin management plans.

The 2012 surveys follow on from the biodiversity profiling of , Badu, Iama, Boigu, Moa, Erub and Mer in 2010 and 2011.

The TSRA Chairperson, Toshie Kris, said biodiversity profiling was a critical part of developing island management plans.

“This important work, began in 2010 and is expected to be completed at the end of the year.

“It provides us with vital data including terrestrial biodiversity inventories, ecological condition assessments and threat identification.

“This information, supported by traditional knowledge, underpins the development of specific issues for our community based management plans and management actions.”

“The project will provide Traditional Owners, island managers, Rangers, government agencies and others with information, skills and resources to assist them in land management decisions.

“The work includes training, participation and capacity building for Rangers and other community members and will help them gain confidence and familiarity with surveying and monitoring techniques.

Mr Kris said since the project began the Rangers have trained in fire management and terrestrial fauna surveying, researched the endangered Bramble melomys, monitored mangroves and conducted weed control activities and ecological burning on Moa, Badu and Erub islands.

“They have also taken part in visits to collate terrestrial biodiversity information and make management assessments of some of the Torres Strait’s uninhabited islands, cays and islets.” Page 2 of 2

“Their input and effort has been invaluable in creating the existing and upcoming Biodiversity Profiles and the Rangers are learning skills which they can use in their regular land and sea monitoring work,” Mr Kris said.

Caption: Senior Ranger, (Moa) Jon Wigness participating in a recent survey

ENDS

TSRA Media Contact – Ken Orr (07) 4069 0700 or 0448 005207