Activities in Mt Zero-Taravale

Author: Yamil Di Blanco

I recently had the unique opportunity to spend a full month living and working at the Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary, of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), located in the remote and mountainous regions of northeastern Australia. My time at the sanctuary was part of a broader international collaboration focused on the conservation of threatened species, and in this particular case, involved fieldwork with two key species: the endangered Sharman’s Rock Wallaby (Petrogale sharmani) and the Northern Bettong (Bettongia tropica).

View of Mount Zero-Taravale Sanctuary

1. Monitoring Sharman’s Rock Wallaby

I assisted in retrieving camera traps that had been deployed more than a month earlier to monitor the activity and presence of wallabies in remote parts of the sanctuary. We also collected scat samples (feces) for future genetic analysis, which will provide essential data on population structure, genetic health, and connectivity among fragmented groups. I also assisted in processing the camera-trap photographs using the software Timelapse (Version 2.3.3.3), identifying species and tagging photos.

Camera-trap used for the monitoring of Sharman's Rock Wallabies

Belt container in front of camera-trap used for monitoring Sharman's Rock Wallabies

Scat survey of Sharman's Rock Wallabies

One of the most memorable aspects of this experience was the extreme remoteness of the survey areas. The habitat of the Sharman’s Rock Wallaby is so inaccessible that we had to be transported by helicopter, followed by long and strenuous hikes through rugged, rocky terrain. Each day brought both physical challenges and deep rewards, offering us the chance to observe unique ecosystems and species that few people ever get to see. A particularly special moment was being able to spot and photograph an individual Sharman’s Rock Wallaby in the wild—an incredible privilege, given how elusive and threatened this species is.  

Posing Sharman's Rock Wallaby, taken during the survey

2. Pitfall Trap Maintenance for Herpetofauna Monitoring

I collaborated in inspecting the network of pitfall traps installed across the property for future reptile and amphibian surveys. Although these traps are currently inactive, they are scheduled to be reactivated in the near future. Our task involved reviewing their condition, ensuring they remain functional and safe for upcoming monitoring efforts. This preparatory work is essential for maintaining effective sampling infrastructure and supporting long-term biodiversity assessments. 

Pitfall trap installed for future reptile and amphibian surveys

3. Bettong Enclosure Maintenance and Monitoring: I participated in repairing parts of the predator-proof fence, which had been damaged during the most recent flooding event. Maintaining the integrity of this fence is critical to ensuring the safety of reintroduced populations from invasive predators like cats and foxes. We also conducted recovery of traps previously installed inside the enclosure to monitor bettong movements and overall health. These traps are a vital part of the monitoring program, allowing to track individual animals and evaluate the success of reintroduction efforts. 

Fencing repairs

Bettong traps recovered from the field

I am deeply grateful to the entire team at the AWC for welcoming me and generously sharing their expertise, infrastructure, and passion for wildlife conservation. I also thanks CONICET and the School of Environmental and Life Sciences of the University of Newcastle for making this exchange possible. I am especially grateful to “Flick” L’Hotellier, “Macca” McAllister, and their daughters Billie and Brim, who made me feel truly welcome in this corner of the world.