How wildlife cameras changed the way we see our land

When WildTracker member Petra set up wildlife cameras on her 560-hectare property at Rocky Hills, she hoped to learn more about the animals moving through the landscape. The cameras have since recorded Tasmanian devils, a spotted-tailed quoll, wombats, wallabies and a surprising variety of birdlife. They have also changed the way Petra sees the land she is helping protect.

Our motivation for getting involved in WildTracker came from a genuine curiosity about our surroundings and a desire to better understand the land we care for.

We were keen to discover which wildlife shares this space with us. About two-thirds of our property is currently protected under a covenant, while the remaining portion is still outside the covenant. By identifying the animals that call our land home, we hope to strengthen our application to extend the covenant across the entire property.

WildTracker has also given us much more than useful information. It has helped us appreciate just how much life is living on the land, often when we are not there to see it.

Who’s been passing through

We’ve captured plenty of images of the usual suspects: pademelons and Bennett’s wallabies regularly passing by, with wombats making frequent appearances too. A resident spotted-tailed quoll pops in to say hello every now and then, which is always a thrill.

The cameras have also revealed a wonderful variety of birdlife, including yellow-tailed black cockatoos, bronzewings, grey and black currawongs, forest ravens, green rosellas and kookaburras.

Unfortunately, we have also recorded a cat, but so far these sightings have been minimal – less than half a per cent of the images captured.

The thrill of seeing devils

We were incredibly fortunate with our first WildTracker discovery. The very first time we set up our camera with Phil Wise (thanks Phil), we captured a Tasmanian devil on camera. The excitement was palpable!

Since then, devils have appeared in roughly two-thirds of our photo batches, making their presence a regular highlight. We think we may have recorded around six to eight different devils so far.

To better appreciate these fascinating creatures, I’ve begun documenting their unique markings in an effort to distinguish one individual from another. This has added an extra layer of interest to our wildlife monitoring and deepened our connection to the land.

One of my favourite images so far is of three wallabies, with two of them fighting. What are the odds of capturing that on camera? It was such a surprising glimpse into the daily lives of animals we might otherwise only see bounding away through the bush.

A deeper sense of responsibility

Being part of WildTracker has changed the way I see our property. I’ve become far more conscious of the diverse wildlife that shares this land with us. Each creature depends on the health of the environment for its survival, and realising this has deepened my sense of responsibility.

Knowing these animals exist here is one thing. Actually seeing them through the cameras creates a much more personal and meaningful connection.

Now, every action I take on the property is guided by the understanding that this land is not just ours. It is home to many animals, and their wellbeing is connected to the way we care for it.

Part of a bigger landscape

I also see our property as part of something much bigger. Native species need far more territory than our individual property can provide, and they are not restricted by cadastral lines or human-imposed boundaries.

Thankfully, many of our neighbours have also placed covenants on their land, creating a substantial area of permanently protected habitat where both plants and animals can thrive. At a time when forests, woodlands and other natural areas are under pressure, protecting private land matters. By caring for our property, and by seeing it as part of a much larger landscape, we are helping keep this place safe for the wildlife that moves through it.

By Petra Koenders