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Aug 15, 2021 12 tweets 11 min read Read on X
Through the Myall Lakes Dingo Project, Taronga’s #science team are quickly developing an understanding of the #dingo population. #MyallLakesNationalPark, a beautiful coastal area, has a very pure dingo population of high #conservation value. #ScienceWeek PC: Bobby-Jo Vial Image
Using GPS #radiocollars to keep up with packs, and a comprehensive photo identification library, the team tracks the movements and fortunes of many individuals across several packs. #Dingo pelage patterns, particularly the socks and chest blaze, identifies individuals. Image
We draw these distinctive features on our #dingo ID cards, and use photograph reference photos to identify them. The team are working on making an identikit publicly available, but for now here’s an example for UOM1701 (aka “Bombah Boy”), the dominant male in the Mungo Brush Pack Image
Here’s an example of a #dingo photo ID card for UOM2001 (“Skinny Boy”), a subdominant in the Mungo Brush pack. His name reflects the fact that #dingoes tend to be quite lean, but their body condition fluctuates hugely, & he’s filled out recently. DO NOT FEED WILD DINGOES! Image
If you do see a #dingo or other #carnivore in the Great Lakes region or around #MyallLakesNationalPark, please complete a sightings record here: ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/dGKgp9ak. You can also use this QR code to report a sighting: Image
#Dingo sighting records are extremely valuable to the research, particularly when they include photos and location information. They allow us to determine and monitor pack composition and track their movements. PC: Bobby-Jo Vial Image
We have GPS #radiocollars in some packs to record movement in response to our experiment, to map home-ranges, and keep track of them in general. Collars are carefully fitted to #dingoes under anesthesia by an experienced vet, and monitored frequently. PC: Bobby-Jo Vial Image
GPS #radiocollars and #cameratraps also provide insights into often unseen #dingo behaviors. Here WTF1501's pups follow the dominant male out of the den site #tech4wildlife
Some of the #dingoes in this project have ranges that overlap with towns. This leads to #HumanAnimalInteractions, and data informs #WildlifeManagement and human-behaviour management by our partners on the ground, @NSWDPIE and MidCoast Council. PC: N.Colman Image
Sadly, #radiocollars and sightings reports also provide insights into problematic human behaviour resulting in #HumanWildlifeConflict. Feeding wild #dingoes is illegal & leads to behaviour deemed a public safety risk, with lethal consequences for the dingo. DO NOT FEED DINGOES! Image
In understanding #dingo #ecology, #HumanAnimalInteractions, #dingomanagement, and establishing collaborations with key stakeholders, the Myall Lakes #Dingo Project embodies Taronga’s 360deg approach to conservation. Image
The team have established a stakeholder working group, including @NPWSDPIE, MidCoast Council, community representatives, scientists, and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to advise and drive the #science. This puts management needs and cultural heritage at the heart of the program.

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More from @tarongazoo

Aug 21, 2021
Taronga’s marine scientists, in collaboration with Macquarie Uni & others internationally, are investigating the effects of pulsed electric fields on #shark physiology & behavior to deliver innovative improvements in deterrents to save the lives of people & #sharks. #ScienceWeek
This @ARC_gov_au funded project builds on a previous ARC LP by this team that uncovered information on #shark vision and demonstrated the effectiveness of counter-illumination (light emitting) devices in deterring shark attacks
The new project (late 2020>) will test the effectiveness of existing & improved personal deterrents against attacks from white, bull & tiger #sharks. This should reduce fatalities by increasing device-use, while also reducing the need for indiscriminate meshing/culling programs.
Read 4 tweets
Aug 21, 2021
Taronga scientists also manage the Australian #Shark Attack File (ASAF). This long-term database & resource provides valuable insights on incidents and the effectiveness of possible deterrents. #ScienceWeek taronga.org.au/conservation-a….
Research using ASAF data led by Laura Ryan with Taronga’s Dr David Slip, Macquarie University, DPI and UNSW scientists, generated predictive models for #shark attacks in Australian waters based on environmental conditions. . doi.org/10.3354/meps13…
This paper identified rainfall & sea surface temperature anomaly as key predictors, and is of great value in designing a potential warning system platform that can allow water users to make more informed decisions before entering the water.
Read 6 tweets
Aug 21, 2021
As Taronga’s Research & #Conservation Coordinator, & a marine biologist specializing in #ConservationGenetics, Dr Jo Day, wears many hats – & most are waterproof! Jo’s work covers many areas & species, including the little-known Port Jackson #shark... #MarineScience #ScienceWeek
Data from GPS and accelerometer tags fitted to Taronga zoo-based Port Jackson #sharks allowed the team to identify resting & active swimming, as well as feeding behaviour.
Using fine and broad scale #MovementEcology data from these Port Jackson #sharks, #MachineLearning models allowed the team to identify these key behaviours in this elusive #marine #shark species. mdpi.com/1424-8220/20/2…
Read 4 tweets
Aug 21, 2021
Getting lost in the crowd can be a problem when you’re an #endangered sea lion pup. Taronga behavioural ecologist @PitcherBen & collaborators are decoding #Australian #sealion communication to understand how mothers and pups recognise each other in a busy colony #ScienceWeek
Australian sea lions use a combination of sound, sight and smell to communicate and recognise their pups. Mothers can use the size and colour patterns in pup coats to help located their offspring in a colony royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.109… @RSocPublishing #AnimalCommunication
Smell is critical to recognition. Mums will smell pups they encounter while searching the colony to confirm which pup is their own offspring. Each sea lion has a unique smell and mums learn the odour of their pup sciencedirect.com/science/articl… #AnimalCommunication
Read 5 tweets
Aug 20, 2021
Taronga is also reminding #RegentHoneyeaters how to tweet! Their song has been changing, perhaps due to small fragmented populations &reduced opportunity to learn from adults. Taronga keepers began playing songs to juvenile birds to teach them the right ones to sing. #ScienceWeek
Results are showing that #RegentHoneyeaters that were tutored to sing, either directly by adult birds or by virtual tutoring, had a better chance of surviving in the wild.
We’re now working with researchers at ANU to understand how best to teach birds to sing and why song is important to survival theguardian.com/australia-news…
Read 4 tweets
Aug 20, 2021
The #RegentHoneyeater is one of Australia’s most #CriticallyEndangered birds. There are <350 birds left in the wild. For >20y, Taronga has been #ConservationBreeding an insurance population. Since 2008, >300 birds have been released to bolster wild populations. #ScienceWeek
#RegentHoneyeaters are in decline due to threats from #habitatloss and degradation. #Drought, #bushfire, competition, and now even the precariously small size of the remaining population all pose risks to the species’ survival.
Our team of #RegentHoneyeater keepers are experts in #ConservationBreeding these amazing birds. Here specialist keeper Kara Stevens explains our progress at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
Read 6 tweets

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