In tree-mendous news on World Wildlife Day, conservationists are thrilled to discover wild populations of rare marsupials in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are higher than previously known. 

New drone surveys conducted by PNG-based organisation Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA) found record numbers in critically endangered species like the Weimang Tree Kangaroo and the Tenkile Tree Kangaroo. 

The new thermal drone monitoring activity has been enabled through Perth Zoo's long-term partnership with TCA.

Increasing the existing monitoring capabilities has unlocked invaluable secrets about the arboreal ecosystems in a PNG biodiversity hotspot. 



TCA’s Jean Thomas said the drone surveying has proven to be the most successful technique in more than 20 years of monitoring.

“These findings are so exciting and a real testament to our conservation work of 23 years,” Jean said. 

“The surveys have shown us that Grizzled Tree Kangaroos are doing very well and perhaps the Weimang and Tenkile need some more time to fully recover, or potentially they live beyond the range we’ve surveyed. 

“The results have given us renewed energy and enthusiasm to do more research and train our local staff to do more regular monitoring.

“Now we’ll look to continue this momentum and start looking into why Grizzled populations are so strong and how we can make that happen for the Tenkile and Weimangs too.”

These new and exciting findings mark an incredible breakthrough in TCA's conservation efforts for the largely unknown and under-researched wildlife and habitats. 

In just 40 hours, these surveys counted more animals than any other survey in the past 20 years, including: 



Using data, TCA can examine plant species and determine animal diet, record behaviours and habits for each species and observe how mothers interact with young - much of this information has never been documented before. 
 
The data will also inform future conservation projects and research activity, to help TCA understand why Grizzled populations are strong and what needs to be done to bring other species up to that level.
 
These surveys were conducted through PNG's Torricelli Mountain Range, an area with rich biodiversity. 

The thermal drone monitoring is a new technique that can assess the population of tree kangaroos, as well as use sound meters in combination record bird, insect and other mammal species.

Through the Wildlife Conservation Action program, Perth Zoo has been proudly partnered with Tenkile Conservation Alliance since 2006. 
 
We can’t wait to provide more updates soon!