What is the purpose of the audit?
The 2026 Dunkley Biodiversity Audit is an independent, citizen-science project documenting the wildlife of four key nature reserves within the Dunkley electorate. despite ongoing urbanisation, these reserves remain strongholds for local biodiversity. This Audit will provide live data regarding the health of each reserve by creating a transparent, living census of our region's biodiversity.
Included in Audit
- Native Vertebrates: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians.
- Significant Invertebrates: Butterflies, Dragonflies, and key pollinators.
- Invasive Threats: Foxes, Rabbits, and other pest species.
- Citizen Science Data: Audio-visual observations confirmed via community identification, machine-learning tools, and manual verification.
Not Included
- Domestic Animals: Pets, livestock, and captive animals are not included in the audit.
- Coordinate Sharing: Precise coordinate data will be available only to land managers and relevant stakeholders.
- Flora: The audit is focused exclusively on local Fauna.
Ethical Practice
We operate under a strict "Do No Harm" policy. Publishing location data carries risks. To protect local wildlife, we employ a Tiered Location-Fuzzing Protocol:
Tier 1: Vulnerable Species
Vulnerable species (e.g., Swift Parrot, Australasian Bittern) are never mapped publicly. Their data is held securely for conservation reporting only.
Tier 2: General Obfuscation
Common species' locations are obscured. Providing a general idea of biodiversity without compromising animal wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some reserves show "0" species?
The Audit is a rolling project. A "0" doesn't mean the reserve is empty; it means we haven't completed a verified survey cycle for that zone yet. We prioritize data accuracy over speed.
Where does this data come from?
Data is aggregated from verified citizen-science observations (iNaturalist), historical records, and active field surveys conducted by our team.
Can I use this data for research?
Yes. This data is open-source for conservation. If you are a landcare group or researcher needing raw datasets (without obfuscation), please contact us.