In a significant environmental victory, Australia has successfully eradicated wild deer from an island near the Great Barrier Reef, restoring the habitat of one of the country's most important sea turtle populations. This achievement marks another success in Australia's ongoing efforts to restore island ecosystems to their natural state, free from invasive species introduced by European settlers centuries ago. For the flatback turtle, which has one of the smallest ranges of any sea turtle species, this development is especially critical. The island is now a secure nesting ground once again.
This conservation triumph took place on Wild Duck Island, located between Rockhampton and Mackay, Queensland, which had become overrun with Rusa deer. These animals, which were likely introduced illegally around 2003 to create a hunting population, had no natural predators on the island. As a result, they multiplied quickly and began to wreak havoc on the fragile ecosystem. In particular, they disrupted the nesting behavior of flatback turtles, which are native to the region. Flatback turtles are unique to Australia and are considered vulnerable due to their limited nesting range. They primarily nest along the northern coast of Australia, making the preservation of every nesting site vital to their survival.
According to David Orgill, principal ranger for the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the presence of deer posed a severe threat to the turtles. "The deer were down in among the dunes when the turtles were coming up and trying to nest... up until they start laying, if anything disturbs them, they will return back to the water," he told ABC News AU. Not only did the deer scare the turtles away from nesting, but they also trampled over nests and eggs, further threatening the population. It wasn't until 2018 that the extent of the damage became clear, prompting urgent action from conservationists.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, wildlife authorities began tracking the deer population using thermal imaging cameras and trail cams. This innovative approach allowed them to monitor the animals without causing further disturbance to the ecosystem. Over the next five years, more than 270 deer were removed from the island, culminating in a camera survey earlier this year that found no remaining Rusa deer. With the eradication complete, the island can once again serve as a vital nesting site for flatback turtles.
The Wild Duck Island project is part of a broader conservation strategy aimed at restoring Australia's island ecosystems. Across the country, conservationists are removing invasive species like deer, goats, rats, and cats from islands that had previously been ecologically devastated by their introduction. Many of these species were brought to Australia by European settlers and have since caused extensive damage to the native flora and fauna. Islands such as Macquarie, Lord Howe, and Middle have all been part of these efforts, with wildlife officials aiming to return these ecosystems to their pre-colonial state.
The success on Wild Duck Island is just one of many in a larger global movement to protect island habitats. Islands are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of invasive species because they often have unique ecosystems that cannot adapt to the presence of new predators or herbivores. For instance, the Galapagos Islands, famous for their role in Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, have long struggled with the presence of invasive species. The same holds true for the relatively unknown island of Redonda in the Caribbean, where conservationists have made significant strides in recent years.
The eradication of invasive species from islands is one of the most effective conservation strategies available, as it often leads to rapid recovery of native species. In many cases, the results are transformative, with native animals and plants bouncing back almost immediately once the invaders are gone. This is especially important for islands that serve as critical habitats for migratory species, such as seabirds and sea turtles, which rely on these areas for nesting and feeding.
While the removal of invasive species from Wild Duck Island marks a significant victory for conservationists, the work is far from over. Queensland's Broad Sound Islands National Park, which includes 48 islands, remains home to several other invasive species that threaten the native wildlife. The successful use of thermal and night vision cameras on Wild Duck Island is expected to serve as a model for future conservation efforts in the region and beyond.
In the grand scheme of conservation, the work done on Wild Duck Island and elsewhere highlights a remarkable, yet often underreported, success story. Across the globe, hundreds of islands have been restored to their natural states, providing safe habitats for countless species. From the Galapagos to the islands of the Pacific, these efforts are ensuring that the world's most vulnerable ecosystems are protected for future generations.