Josh takes us to the zoo, to explore the work being done to conserve some very precious species and resources. Subscribe 🔔 ab.co/GA-subscribe
Perth Zoo has a team of zoologists and scientists working to preserve and rebuild populations of one the most endangered reptiles in Australia, and indeed the world. Thought extinct for over a century, the Western Swamp Tortoise was rediscovered in the 1950’s, when a young person brought his pet tortoise to a naturalist club! “They really are a unique species on earth, the very last species of their family tree still in existence. There are fossil records of six different species, but this is the only one that remains”.
In the early 80s, there were estimated to be about 20 to 30 adult Western Swamp Tortoises in the wild. Now, thanks to the zoo’s breeding programs, there are now over 120 adults in the wild. Dr Peter Mawson, Science Program Leader at the Perth Zoo, estimates that they have now successfully bred and released about 800 individuals into appropriate habitat across Western Australia. The success of this breeding program relies on a huge amount of clean, potable water to create the perfect environment for the tortoises-up to 50,000 litres per day! This enormous water requirement inspired a redesign of the Zoo’s water-sensitive infrastructure. Native wetland plants are used throughout the system to slow down sediment and nutrients, purifying the water for additional uses at the Zoo.
Water from breeding program feeds into wetland beds, where it is allowed to trickle through the gravel beds underneath. It then moves into main body of a large lake, where the water circulates and is pumped up into the constructed wetland bed, once again allowed to flow back down into the main lake body. This movement of water is critical to reoxygenate it, regulate the temperature, and allow for nutrient removal. From these amendments, the water quality onsite has increased dramatically, with lower unwanted nutrient levels resulting in healthier wetland ecology, which can be noted by the increase of waterbirds visiting the wetland and lake.
This is a big picture project, modernising infrastructure and closing the loop on the resources it takes to support this important institution. Water is the key to all life on earth. When you are responsible for as many lives as Perth Zoo is, you must take it seriously.
Featured Species:
WESTERN SWAMP TORTOISE - Pseudemydura umbrina
Filmed on Whadjuk Country | Perth, WA
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