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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 30(6)

Management of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve from 1967 to 1999

Alan Danks https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4895-0867 A , Andrew A. Burbidge B * , N. J. Coy C † , G. L. Folley C † and R. E. S. Sokolowski C †
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Albany, WA 6330, Australia.

B Floreat, WA 6014, Australia.

C Formerly of: Western Australian Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth, WA, Australia.

* Correspondence to: amburbidge@westnet.com.au

† Deceased

Handling Editor: Mike Calver

Pacific Conservation Biology 30, PC24076 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC24076
Submitted: 7 October 2024  Accepted: 26 November 2024  Published: 12 December 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context

Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve (TPBNR) is well known for two iconic species; the noisy scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus) and Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii), both having been rediscovered there.

Aims

This paper covers the management of the Reserve since its declaration in 1967 until 1999 in the context of the two iconic species, other species of interest, and visitors.

Methods

This paper is based on the authors’ experiences and information contained in archival files from several government departments.

Key results

At the time of the Reserve’s declaration, the department responsible for its management had few resources, with only four fauna wardens to cover the whole state of Western Australia. The first ‘reserves officer’ was appointed to TPBNR in 1970. Since then, a series of staff was responsible for the Reserve’s management, based primarily on fire and visitors. Since its inception, TPBNR has supported research into various aspects of its biota. Translocations of noisy scrub-birds from TPBNR commenced in 1983 and have resulted in several new populations with an increase in overall numbers. In 1985 the Department of Conservation and Land Management became responsible for the Reserve’s management and additional resources became available.

Conclusions

Management resources of TPBNR have grown from very limited, to today’s more comprehensive regional input supporting comprehensive species’ management as well as visitor and fire management.

Implications

The rediscovery of an iconic species gradually led to extensive scientific research and increasing resources for managing this celebrated nature reserve; a model for other areas where highly threatened species are rediscovered or known to exist.

Keywords: fire management, Gilbert’s potoroo Potorous gilbertii, nature reserve management, noisy scrub-bird Atrichornis clamosus, threatened species, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve.

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