In a critical mission to safeguard a species on the brink, a team of Indigenous rangers and scientists has deployed cutting-edge technology to conduct a precise census of North Queensland's endangered spectacled flying-fox population.
A High-Tech Census for a Critically Endangered Species
The urgent survey, led by Girringun Aboriginal Corporation Rangers in collaboration with Western Sydney University and CSIRO, took place in early May. The focus was on a key camp located at the Cairns Central shopping centre car park, a vital daytime roost for these unique fruit bats.
The team utilised advanced thermal imaging drones and artificial intelligence software to count the bats with unprecedented accuracy. This method is far less disruptive than traditional ground counts, allowing the sensitive animals to rest undisturbed while providing reliable data. The spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) is listed as critically endangered under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act and endangered nationally, making every individual count significant for the species' survival.
Why This Population is So Crucial
The Cairns camp is not just another roosting site; it represents a substantial portion of the entire species. Girringun Ranger coordinator Tanya Fountain highlighted that this single camp is home to an estimated 20-30 per cent of the total spectacled flying-fox population. A severe decline or loss here would have catastrophic consequences for the future of the species.
"They are a keystone species, so they are very important for pollination and seed dispersal for our rainforest," Ms Fountain explained. Their role in maintaining the health and regeneration of World Heritage-listed rainforests is irreplaceable. The data gathered from this high-tech count will provide a crucial baseline for conservationists and government agencies to monitor population trends and assess the impact of threats like habitat loss, climate change, and extreme heat events.
Partnerships Driving Conservation Forward
This collaborative project underscores the powerful role of Indigenous rangers, equipped with modern technology, in leading environmental protection. The Girringun Rangers, whose country spans from Cardwell to the Herbert River, are at the forefront of this work. The partnership with Western Sydney University's Dr Justin Welbergen and the CSIRO's Centre for Earth Observation brings together traditional knowledge and scientific innovation.
The use of AI to analyse thermal footage represents a major step forward in wildlife monitoring, allowing for faster, more accurate population estimates that are essential for timely conservation action. This mission is a clear example of how integrating new technology with on-ground expertise is vital for protecting Australia's most vulnerable native species.
The findings from this survey will directly inform management and recovery strategies, ensuring efforts are targeted effectively to help secure the future of the spectacled flying-fox in Queensland's vital northern rainforests.
