Innovative trip finds new species
A Bush Blitz expedition to the Kimberley has this week discovered what are believed to be several new species of insects and animals.
The discoveries include a possible new species of rainbow fish, a new species of wolf spider that thinks it's a water spider, and a new species of pseudoscorpion.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Senator Simon Birmingham said the team was believed to have found completely new species and a butterfly not seen in about 10 years
"Traditional owners and science teachers joined more than a dozen scientists on the expedition, held on the Indigenous Land Corporation's Karunjie and Durack stations," he said.
"Indigenous knowledge has been instrumental in the Kimberley blitz, with the Ngarinyin people helping researchers select survey sites."
Traditional owners also used their skills in contemporary survey techniques, helping to net fish, set small mammal traps and wield insect nets.
"Over the last four years Bush Blitz has discovered more than 700 new species, and provided crucial biodiversity data to help conservation managers look after their land and the incredible variety of plants and animals it contains," Mr Birmingham said.
Earthwatch Australia director of programs Cassandra Nichols said five teachers had joined the blitz from schools across the country, as part of the Bush Blitz Teach Live project.
"The Kimberley blitz is the second time we've involved teachers in an expedition through the Bush Blitz Teach Live project, and it was a huge success," she said.
"The excitement of the teachers has been tangible, and they're passing that enthusiasm for nature straight back to their students.
"With the blitz happening during Reconciliation Week, Aboriginal culture and knowledge was a strong theme for the teachers and they've enjoyed learning from the Ngarinyin people on site."
Bush Blitz is a partnership between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities and Earthwatch Australia.
It sends scientists out into the field to record fascinating plants and animals in conservation areas across Australia. The Kimberley expedition was run in partnership with the Kimberley Land Council and the Indigenous Land Corporation.
