Aroona BioBlitz reveals 66 new species records for the property
Recently the Little Liverpool Range Initiative (LLRI) coordinated a BioBlitz on Aroona. Across the weekend (October 25 & 26), Aroona came to life as landholders, ecology experts, and volunteers joined forces to record the property’s remarkable biodiversity. We visited different areas of Aroona, from creek lines to the paddocks, collecting valuable species data that will contribute to ongoing conservation and land management efforts at Aroona. Early morning bird surveys, plant identification walks, and evening spotlighting sessions offered an immersive experience in the diversity of species that call Aroona home.
Throughout the BioBlitz, participants had the opportunity to learn directly from amazing experts. Dr Kathy Ebert’s insights into the world of dung beetles shed light on just how interesting Australia’s >500 native dung beetle species are, while Martin Bennett guided groups through the native flora, highlighting the ecological connections between species like mistletoe, the trees they inhabit and the fauna that help spread them. Christina Zdenek and Chris from the Australian Reptile Academy introduced attendees to the region’s reptiles, and Deborah Metters shared her knowledge of birds and set up the UV light trap for invertebrates. Dr Kate Dutton-Regester, along with Edith and Ike, rounded out the weekend with an engaging session on echidna monitoring and behaviour.
The event was both productive and inspiring, with more than 100 species recorded through 360 observations and 66 species identified for the first time at Aroona. These findings strengthens our knowledge of species at Aroona and underscores the importance of collaboration between landholders, scientists, and conservation partners. The BioBlitz also reinforced the strong community spirit that defines the people within Little Liverpool Range; thank you to the LLRI for coordinating.
Thank you also to the Turner Family and Ipswich City Council for helping to fund the BioBlitz and all the LLRI landholders and affiliates who came down to spend the weekend with us.
