Cassowary Conservation
PALUMA RANGE CITIZEN SCIENCE PROGRAM
Program Launch and Camp Out August 25th -28th 2023
SOUTHERN CASSOWARY AND
BIRDS WITH ALTITUDE
Join with Researchers, Locals, BirdLife Townsville & BirdLife North Queensland and Bushwalking clubs to help contribute to our knowledge of Cassowaries at the southern extent of their global distribution and high altitude birds vulnerable to climate change in Paluma Range National Park.
The only targeted surveys for cassowaries on the Paluma Range were for the faecal DNA wet tropics populaton analysis (Westcott et al 2014). No scats, signs or sightings were recorded during that study however, the extrapolated population estimate for the area was 16 adult birds. The Paluma Range however contains 22,050 ha of potential habitat and birds are sighted here semi-frequently. So let’s track them down to add to our body of knowledge about the distribution, abundance, habitat condition and threats to Cassowaries here. Please download the Birdata App on your phone.
Camping @ Lake Paluma - Magar Yamba group camping or self-arranged B&B accommodation at Paluma Village.
Friday evening welcome, presentation and dinner @ Paluma Community Centre, 65 Mount Spec Rd, Paluma.
Fri Aug 25: 1pm campsite open. @ Paluma Community Centre - Nywaigi Welcome to Country. 6pm catered dinner. 7pm presentations on Cassowary and Birds with Altitude programs. Organise survey teams and locations.
Sat Aug 26: AM survey designated routes. PM review camera trap data. Self-cater.
Sun Aug 27: AM survey designated routes. PM review findings & camera trap data. Sunday night camping optional. Self-cater.
Mon Aug 28: AM survey optional . Checkout by 10am.
Funded by a Qld Government CSA - Threatened Species Grant and Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Supported by BirdLife Townsville, BirdLife Australia, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, NQ Dry Tropics NRM and Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and thank you to the Paluma Community Centre for gifting in-kind support of the community centre for the Friday evening.
