Original story by Rogini Moorthi, Science Network Western Australia
WA CONSERVATION organisations have undertaken the first translocation of native water rats in Australia, with the goal of returning the species to areas within their former range.
Dr Rafferty says water rats are key indicators of a healthy wetland system, and if they are struggling to obtain a plentiful supply of their primary food source (invertebrates and fishes), chances are that there is a change in water quality. Image: Perth Zoo
Australia’s largest native rodents, the water rats (Hydromys chysogaster) were once common throughout Western Australia but are now considered to be extinct in some regions.
The reintroduction project by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), Whiteman Park and Perth Zoo aims to re-establish secure populations of the animal on the Swan Coastal Plain and across the Darling Scarp, in the long-term.
As part of conservation efforts, a group of native water rats were translocated from Perth Zoo to the islands of Mussel Pool based at Whiteman Park and AWC’s Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary in Chidlow.
Whiteman Park’s land and environment team leader Christine Rafferty says while native rats were historically part of the wetland ecosystem in Mussel Pool, they have become quite rare within the region because of an increase in predation and habitat loss.
“But, now that the land is being cared for, we believe that new populations of these animals can be reestablished,” says Dr Rafferty.
“The reintroduction of water rats can work towards increasing local biodiversity of our parkland.”
There are currently two water rats – one male and one female – at the park, whose movements are being monitored by cameras located near the Mussel Pool area.
Dr Rafferty says water rats are key indicators of a healthy wetland system, and if they are struggling to obtain a plentiful supply of their primary food source (invertebrates and fishes), chances are that there is a change in water quality.
“We would like to monitor the animals into the summer months before implementing any further translocations, as it is during this time that the water temperature starts heating up and implications of the changes in water quality on the rat can be observed.”
Meanwhile, AWC’s Chief Executive Mr Atticus Fleming says, the reintroduction of the three water rats – one male and two females – in Karakamia can help restore the food web, which currently lacks these aquatic predators.
“Comprising of both natural riparian habitats and a dam that creates a permanent water body, the wildlife sanctuary provides an ideal habitat for these animals,” says Mr Fleming.
“As Karakamia also has vermin-proof fences surrounding the property, it keeps out feral predators such as fox and cats that can threaten the success of any translocation of these animals.”
The three water rats will be closely monitored, and if the reintroduction is a success, Karakamia is likely to get another female and male rat.
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