Citizen science case study – Priority Species Western Ringtail Possum ( occidentalis)

EPBC Status -

Western Ringtail possums. Photos: Adrian Wayne (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions)

The Western Ringtail Possum (WRP) support from local citizen scientists, These surveys are being conducted had been listed as Vulnerable on the in Busselton and Margaret River. in collaboration with the Friends of EPBC Act since 2000 until it was up- Reserve Groups in the Margaret River listed to Critically Endangered in 2018, One of the most successful citizen region and are sure to yield some bringing it in line with the Western science programs for WRP is the important information about WRPs Australian state-level conservation Annual Ringtail Tally, run by The and how they are using the forests status. WRP were always at higher risk Geographe Catchment Council around Margaret River under varying of becoming threatened than their (aka GeoCatch) in Busselton. Now seasonal conditions. eastern counterparts, given the fact in its third year, this program asks their range is so much smaller than residents to record possums in their The WRP is a very charismatic species the in the backyard, school or local park over a and worthy of an increased public eastern states. The reduction in their one-month period. Participants can profile when it comes to opportunities habitat for urban development and record as often as they like during to contribute information about the drying effects of climate change the one-month time slot. These its across the in the South West’s forests appear to events are based on a set area search South West. The South West is be among the main drivers pushing methodology, incorporating some under increasing pressure from the species towards extinction. The standardised scientific approach to urban development, but this can WRP’s preference for foraging on the survey. These data are also shared also represent an opportunity to Peppermint trees () with the Department of Biodiversity, garner support from these growing is one saving grace for these unique Conservation and Attractions (Western communities for conservation action as these trees are one of Australia) enhancing their ability to in the form of citizen science. the few species that tend to be spared manage the species in the Swan in the course of urban development. Coastal Plain Management area. Further information As a result, WRPs can be encountered Further south, Nature Conservation www.natureconservation.org.au/our- with relative frequency in urban Margaret River have taken their work/threatened-species-protection/ active conservation volunteers to settings, making the species more www.geocatch.asn.au/our-work/ the next level by initiating a seasonal likely to benefit from urban citizen biodiversity/western-ringtail-possum/ standardised citizen science survey on science activities. Two towns in helpingwesternringtailpossums/ particular have attracted substantial 1km transects along the Wadandi Trail.

This project is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program.