The GTCP and GFACP monitor and protect key coastal rookeries of nesting sea turtles on the Gnaraloo coastline in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.
The Gnaraloo Station Trust initiated the scientific Gnaraloo Turtle Conservation Program (GTCP) and Gnaraloo Feral Animal Control Program (GFACP) to identify, monitor and protect key coastal nesting rookeries of endangered sea turtles on Gnaraloo beaches, namely loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbrictata) turtles. On-ground works commenced in 2008. The Gnaraloo Bay Rookery is one of the most significant mainland breeding areas for loggerheads in Western Australia and, together with the Gnaraloo Cape Farquhar Rookery, support and contribute to the third largest loggerhead turtle population in the world. The GTCP is privately funded and managed by the Gnaraloo Station Trust. A percentage of all Gnaraloo’s income funds the GTCP and other environmental programs, such as the Gnaraloo Feral Animal Control Program and Gnaraloo Reduce Reuse Recycle Program, to ensure their operation and continuation. The GTCP is supported by other partners and entities including the Australian Government, Rangelands NRM Western Australia, Esri Australia (ArcGIS software, http://www.esriaustralia.com.au) and Animal Pest Management Services (www.animalpest.com.au).
The Gnaraloo turtle and feral animal control programs target matters of national environmental significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Australia), namely: (1) nationally significant species in the form of threatened fauna in the category of endangered and vulnerable reptiles and (2) key threatening processes namely feral predation of turtle eggs and hatchlings by European red fox (Vulpes vulpes), feral cats and wild dogs. As sea turtle populations have been on the decline worldwide, studying these species’ primary nesting sites in Australia is of utmost importance. During 2013/14, the programs will be in their six year of on-ground operation under the guidance of the Gnaraloo leaseholder, Paul Richardson, and direction of Gnaraloo’s Environmental Advisor, Karen Hattingh.
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