Finding the signs a shy animal leaves behind.
The Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act and in both WA and the NT. It is nocturnal, wide-ranging and rarely seen, so surveys rely on the signs it leaves: burrows, diggings at the base of plants, tracks and scats. Where a project sits in or near bilby habitat in the Pilbara, Kimberley, the deserts of WA or the arid Northern Territory, a targeted survey is often needed before a referral or clearing permit can be assessed.
Trace Ecology designs and runs targeted bilby surveys for miners, explorers, infrastructure proponents, and pastoral and Aboriginal land managers. See also Fauna Surveys and Targeted Threatened Fauna Surveys.
How we survey for bilbies
Surveys follow the DBCA guideline for detecting bilbies and assessing the importance of habitat in Western Australia. The method is chosen for the size of the area and the habitat:
- Sign plots. 2 ha plots searched for 25 minutes each, spread across suitable habitat and fire ages, giving data that can be compared between sites and years.
- Linear searches. Transects no more than 500 m apart, suited to confirming presence or absence over smaller areas.
- Buffer searches. Searching beyond the disturbance footprint, because bilbies range widely and move with fire and food.
- Camera traps. Set at burrows or diggings where sign needs confirming.
Scats, clear tracks and fresh diggings at plant bases confirm presence. Burrows and older diggings flag possible activity for follow-up.
Working on Country
Reading bilby sign is a skill many Traditional Owners and Indigenous ranger groups hold, and the DBCA guideline recognises it. We involve ranger groups and Traditional Owners in survey teams wherever they want to take part.
What you receive
A report mapping all sign recorded, an assessment of how the area is used for foraging, burrowing and movement, the likely significance of impacts, and management recommendations written for an EPBC referral, EPA assessment or clearing permit.
Related project: targeted Greater Bilby surveys, Northern Territory.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bilby survey?
If your project is within the bilby's known or predicted range and contains suitable habitat, such as spinifex sandplains and dunes or recently burnt country, a targeted survey is usually needed to inform an EPBC referral or clearing permit.
Can a bilby survey be done in one visit?
Sometimes, but a single visit can miss bilbies, which move with fire and food. Where sign is absent or unclear, a repeat survey or camera traps may be recommended.
Trace Ecology is a division of Trace Enterprises, which brings heritage, environmental and planning specialists together under one roof.
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