In a new initiative, Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) has worked with TropWATER, James Cook University’s Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, to sequence the DNA of the Ornamental Snake, and used eDNA methodology to track its presence in central Queensland Brigalow. The Ornamental Snake is listed as Vulnerable under the national Environmental Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act.
Ecologist Stewart Macdonald described the innovative project as a first for reptiles.
“All of the early work with eDNA was done on aquatic species. Working with reptiles is more of a challenge as it is a new field, it’s currently a matter of trying it and refining the technique over time.” Stewart said.
The Australian Government funded work is part of a larger project FBA are working on with First Nations and land managers aimed at restoring the threatened Brigalow ecosystem by tackling key threats like wildfires, invasive pests, livestock disturbance, and habitat degradation.
