Protecting native wildlife and ecosystems from the growing threat of invasive species is a key priority for the project.  

The project seeks to manage feral animal populations that cause significant habitat damage, including trampling vegetation and polluting water sources through fouling and sedimentation—threatening native species such as the Pilbara olive python.

Through feral animal monitoring and control the project is helping to restore balance across Karijini and Millstream Chichester national parks.

Weed control is also a priority. Banjima Traditional Owner May Byrne, whose property borders Karijini, recently partnered with project staff to remove weeds such as stinking passion flower (Passiflora foetida).

“An advisory committee has been established in partnership with the Banjima people to support conservation and land management in Karijini National Park, guided by traditional knowledge” said Project Manager Teagan Johnston.  

“Supporting May was a practical way to protect biodiversity. It’s inspiring to see what’s possible when we work side-by-side to care for Country.” 

The partnership between science and fire management is a key component of the Pilbara Conservation Project’s strategy to protect biodiversity in Karijini and Millstream Chichester national parks.  

The project team are undertaking ‘right way fire’ (mosaic or patchy) landscape-scale prescribed burns in both parks, based on how Traditional Owners have managed the landscape for tens of thousands of years, and quantifying its effectiveness in reducing large-scale bushfires across the landscape.  

Drawing on expertise in fire ecology and behaviour, the project integrates scientific research to better understand fire dynamics and guide effective, landscape-scale fire management across the region.

The fire science component of the project is a complex and evolving area of work that explores:  

• how fire influences the unique flora and fauna of Karijini and Millstream Chichester national parks;  
• how fire behaves differently across different vegetation types with varying fire histories; and  
• how management strategies can be adapted to align with local ecology while reducing large wildfires.  

Data is collected by combining remote sensing, spatial analysis and field work to produce fire scar mapping and vegetation land unit mapping.

A typical day for research scientists may involve establishing research and monitoring sites, conducting flora surveys, deploying camera traps and using drones to capture aerial imagery of remote areas.  

DBCA research scientist Matt Chick works closely with fire and land managers, Traditional Owner groups and other scientists to ensure research translates into action.  

"It is my hope that this research will support on-ground decisions that help maintain habitat quality, reduce destructive bushfires and ensure long-term ecological resilience.  

Long-term monitoring is key to successful landscape-scale conservation. The longer we can collect data, the more responsive and robust our research is to help inform our fire management practices in the Pilbara.” 

A two-day cultural immersion on Yindjibarndi Country with Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation begins with a traditional smoking ritual to clear lingering bad spirits and energy.  

The immersion was attended by a team of DBCA and Rio Tinto staff, partaking in a once-in-a-lifetime journey with Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation as part of the Pilbara Conservation Project.  

A water ceremony was also conducted, a ritual performed by scooping water from a pool or other water source into the mouth and sprayed back out before calling out to Country:  

The team were privileged to visit significant cultural sites and learn stories that have been passed down for generations.  

The team reported their time at Manggurla Thalu, a fertility site, and Biigunha with its stunning rock engravings, was truly enriching. They also visited Birlinbirlin, a meeting place for big law ceremonies and where neighbouring tribes use to gather.  

Research Officer Jane Chapman from DBCA said “It was a real privilege to have participated in the cultural immersion training.  

“Everyone involved, in particular Michael and Lorraine, were incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. It was an unforgettable experience and I am grateful to have experienced Yindjibarndi Country from a new perspective.” 

For the latest updates, visit Pilbara Conservation Project | Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions 

For partnership opportunities, email pilbaraconservationproject@dbca.wa.gov.au