Preserving tree-kangaroo habitat

Dear difers,

In collaboration with Australian company Alacon Aero, the tree kangaroo conservation program has put a new technology to the test to preserve Papua New Guinea's species: drones.

Piloted from the ground, they can capture images of the forest cover and assess the state of the forests. They are also an interesting tool for observing land use by loggers and improving the sustainable management plan in place.

The 3D mapping obtained by the drones is also being linked to the distribution and behavior of tree kangaroos, studied thanks to their GPS collars.

The solar electrification project continues. It both reduces pressure on the forest, by reducing the need for firewood, and limits exposure to smoke within homes. By the end of the year, the teams expect to have provided an additional 1,000 homes with a more sustainable lighting system!
In addition, the tree kangaroo conservation program has finalized its strategic plan. An important document that will guide all actions for the next 5 years. 

The tree kangaroo conservation program is taking stock for 2023. Firstly, a coordinator was recruited, to monitor the smooth running of the established conservation strategy. Secondly, 18 rangers have been trained in data collection and the use of the SMART application. This tool is used to organize the route of surveillance patrols, optimizing their efficiency, and to notify any important elements. Field research resumed this year, and 6 tree kangaroos were fitted with GPS collars to track and understand their movements. In addition, several photographic traps were installed over a 6-month period, to supplement the data acquired through GPS tracking. The association also coordinated the implementation of the action plan and sales of fair-trade coffee produced by local communities. Over 11,000 kg of coffee were sold, notably in Melbourne.