Here are a few of the projects that Wildlife Queensland has been involved in previously.

In early 1999 the Society received a grant from the Threatened Species Network to survey Moreton Bay for a little native mouse unaptly named the false water rat (Xeromys myoides). False water rats live and feed in the coastal wetlands, mainly within the mangroves themselves. The current status of the false water rat is unknown and the project was aimed at determining the extent of their distribution and abundance within the Bay. It was designed as a community project, open to anyone who was interested.

Dr Steve van Dyck from the Queensland Museum, who has been studying the false water rat for many years, conducted a training day on North Stradbroke Island. Volunteers learnt how to recognise the various indicators of the presence of false water rats, including their large nesting mounds made of mud. The trained volunteers then undertook the task of surveying the islands in Redlands Shire including Russell, Macleay, Lamb, Coochiemudlo, Peel, Cobby Cobby, Willes, Karragarra, Kangaroo and part of South Stradbroke. Each survey day consisted of travelling to the site, breaking into groups and then slushing through the mud for a couple of hours searching for the false water rat nesting mounds. In all, 63 volunteers took part in at least one survey day and lots of adventure and fun was had by all. The surveys are completed for now, but the Society hopes to be involved with any future projects on the false water rat.

The results of the surveys showed that the false water rat is absent from many sites where habitat is suitable. Apart from the known populations on North Stradbroke (the study site of Steve van Dyck), quite a large population was found on Russell Island but the other islands showed either very few nesting mounds or none at all, despite the presence of what we considered good false water rat habitat. Some of the islands had obvious reasons for their disappearance usually in the form of habitat loss and pollution.

The information gathered by WPSQ during this project has added to the previous knowledge of the distribution of the false water rat. The species in Moreton Bay is vulnerable to habitat loss, feral animal predation, disturbance and pollution of its feeding grounds (the mangroves). The results from this project can be used to advise on the management and development of habitat areas of this species. The project has raised the profile of this quite elusive mouse through our Society, the media and other organisations.

These surveys have shown that, provided the integrity of the results is maintained, scientific research can be successfully carried out by a trained group of volunteers under correct management. In the future, community-based projects such as this could be considered as potentially extremely valuable tools for conducting research.

In April 2002, WPSQ started the second phase of the project, which led to the Recovery Plan for Xeromys myoides, now called the Water Mouse.

Following on the success of the trial search for the nest mounds of the False Water Rat now known as Water mouse (Xeromys myoides), on the islands of Moreton Bay, and of the identification of the threats to this rare and vulnerable species in 1999-2000, WPSQ, together with Threatened Species Network worked to further establish the distribution of Xeromys in south east Queensland (from the border north to Hervey Bay), and to develop an interim Regional Recovery Plan for the species.

Adrian Caneris was engaged to act as the project coordinator. The project was divided into two main areas. Firstly, to select and train volunteers to search for signs of the Water mouse within suitable habitats throughout the project area and to identify gaps in the known distribution. Species monitoring programs including pest plant and animals impacts was established in conjunction with local governments.

Secondly, all known data on Xeromys distribution was collected, collated and researched and an interim Regional Recovery Plan developed. It was envisaged that there would be a recovery team formed to assist in ensuring an effective and acceptable recovery plan. The project took about 7 months and started in April 2002.

Searching tor Water Mouse Mounds.

In 2002, the Threatened Species Network of WWF funded WPSQ to develop an interim South-East Queensland (SEQ)Regional Recovery Plan for the Water mouse (Xeromys myoides).

This project presented many exciting opportunities for interested volunteers to assist towards the recovery of a rare and threatened species through fieldwork and research.

The project trained interested volunteers, including employees of several Local Councils and QPWS. All the sessions had unexpectedly high levels of participation. Community participation and enthusiasm remained high because of the excitement of working on a project to protect such a fascinating native animal.

A Draft Interim Recovery Plan was developed and submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency in 2005, along with a Threat Abatement and Feral Pest Monitoring and Management Plan Proposal. Already, the project has increased local authority awareness of the species and its management requirements.

Project achievements

• Increased awareness and support for management of the Water mouse and future efforts to protect the species and its habitats.
• Compilation of known information
• Targeted surveys, community training and field days in Water mouse population areas.
• Detailed information on recommended recovery actions and costing of information.
• A plan to undertake adaptive management and feral control at three sites identified by local government and QPWS was costed, but funding is still to be allocated for this work.

Recovery plan aims

The draft SEQ Regional Recovery Plan identified appropriate Recovery Actions for X. myoides and its habitat. It also identified the resources essential for ensuring the survival of viable breeding populations of X. myoides within a timeframe of 5 years.

Initial aims were

1. To select and train volunteers to investigate the presence of X. myoides in unsurveyed habitats within the project area.
2. To trial the establishment of feral species monitoring programs in conjunction with local authorities.
3. To collate existing data on the distribution of X. myoides and develop a draft SEQ Interim Regional Recovery Plan.

Planned actions

The SEQ plan identified 6 main actions that will successfully fulfil recovery objectives.

1. Refine knowledge of Water mouse distribution and population dynamics.
2. Investigate specific elements of ecology and biology of the Water mouse.
3. Assess the conservation status and level of threats to Water mouse populations and their habitats.
4. Develop, trial and implement effective management prescriptions for Water mouse populations.
5. Foster community support, participation and awareness of the Water mouse situation.
6. Administer a recovery plan and manage the Water mouse's recovery process.