NPA is launching a major fundraising campaign to extend the scope of its study of the vulnerable Rosenberg’s Goanna. A kind sponsor has offered to match funding if we can raise $5,000 in 5 weeks – so the race is on!

NPA has been funding research into Rosenberg’s Goanna (Varanus rosenbergi) for many years to understand the ecology, genetics, and conservation needs of this apex predator in the ACT.

The goanna is abundant in part of Namadgi National Park but rare and disappearing or gone completely in most ACT nature reserves.

As part of the next phase, NPA aims to step up fundraising by strongly focusing on genetic mapping to decide whether Namadgi National Park has two subspecies and whether local goannas are a separate species from those in other parts of Australia.

The answers could see our local ACT and NSW goanna formally listed as a threatened species under the EPBC Act. This could unlock stronger conservation protection and more funding.

The ‘Goanna Guardians’ campaign will highlight the importance of Rosenberg’s Goanna as one of the last remaining large native predators in the ACT region and the conservation implications of the potential discovery of a new species or subspecies.

With enough funding, our ecologists and volunteers will put in place:

·       DNA collection and field sampling

·       genetic sequencing and analysis to assess subspecies status

·       lobbying for Threatened Species listing, where the evidence supports that

·       community education and citizen science.

All donors will receive a ‘Goanna Guardian’ certificate and recognition according to their donation.

Become a Goanna Guardian. Donate now.