Translocation is a useful tool for the conservation and ecological research of threatened species, but in remote First Nations communities translocation projects can enhance connection to country, perpetuate traditional ecological knowledge, create employment, and promote self-determination. To optimise social and cultural outcomes, First Nations participation must be central to project design, decision-making, and delivery.

In August 2022, Anangu traditional owners and conservation practitioners applied co-design principles to translocate 40 warru/Black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis centralis) to the Everard Ranges in remote north-west South Australia, a location where warru disappeared approximately 60 years ago.

While suitable habitat is abundant, the region’s complex cultural landscape necessitated community-led decision-making to select inclusive, culturally safe, and ecologically appropriate release sites. For its ongoing management, the project has adopted a two-way science approach for both strategic decision-making and day-to-day management through the formation of an Anangu steering committee and Anangu ranger teams, providing a strong example of First Nations co-design in conservation.

A census of the founder population will occur after 12 months, though monitoring indicates recruitment and mortality rates comparable to other monitored populations in the APY Lands. Regular monitoring led by Anangu rangers has fostered project ownership and provided additional ecological benefits including fine-scale knowledge of threatened plant and pest species distributions, and optimum foraging and den site conditions for warru. The project has promoted a strong sense of local pride and enthusiasm, catalysing increased workforce participation and ranger recruitment, increased household incomes and broader conversations within the community around caring for country.