Project Kial goals

• Ensure the survival of the few remaining known colonies of wild Bridled Nailtail wallabies.
• Provide quality care for Bridled Nailtail wallabies in need so that they may be released on to safe properties that feature the animal’s habitat requirements.
• Locate and secure safe and appropriate properties on to which the rehabilitated wallabies and their offspring can be released.
• Remove the Bridled Nailtail wallaby from the endangered species list.
• Raise public awareness about this precious almost extinct wallaby.
• Encourage academic and scientific research institutes to study this unique animal.
• Manage a successful captive breeding programme, the progeny of which will be raised as wild animals and released on to safe and appropriate properties.
• Show that community based organisations can save an endangered species in a potentially self-sustaining manner.

Project Kial Achievements since November 2003

Actions
• Captured most of the Bridled Nailtail Wallabies from Gregory mine site (estimated number: 130).
• Relocated wallabies to Kial (The project’s 170 hectare Marlborough property) for successful rehabilitation.
• Began conducting DNA testing to determine appropriate candidates for captive breeding project.
• In 2006, upon request from Queensland EPA, Project Kial submitted a comprehensive proposal to for a captive breeding and release program.

Volunteers and community group assistance
• University of Queensland student placements are ongoing
• 200+ volunteers from all over the world have participated in Project Kial to date
• Green Corps has, and will continue to send volunteers to help plant trees, build enclosures and install irrigation.
• AACE signed a renewable $50,000 six-month contract with Work for the Dole (14 volunteers).
• In 2006 Project Kial was nominated for the National Work for the Dole award.
• November 2007 Project Kial received the Queensland Regional Achievement Community Award, Land Care and Environment: $,2500

Funding received
• BMA Gregory Mine has donated $120,000+ to date towards medical costs, food and fencing, shade cloth, sails, bores, gates and concrete for breeding pens
• BMA Goonyella Riverside Mine has donated $2,000.
• Fitzroy Basin Association is providing ongoing funding for wallaby food, medical supplies and miscellaneous equipment ($30,000+ to date).
• Individual cash donations exceed $25,000
• Proceeds from the sale of AACE tee shirts (sponsored by BMA Gregory/Crinum Mine) and postcards: $3500+

Grants received
Volunteer Small Equipment Grants (Federal Government) $5,000+ for new computer
Norman Wettenhall Foundation $3,500 for workshop
• Dorothy Ann Foundation (US) $36,000 for animal hospital, volunteer kitchen and miscellaneous property maintenance projects
Livingstone Shire Council $1,500 for shade sails and fencing

Community Training Programs
• Zookeepers from the Rockhampton Zoo attend captive animal health and management workshops at Kial on a regular basis.
• Trainee starts in June 2008 to do Cert 3 Captive Animals for two years
• Wildlife Care workshops are held yearly for AACE and community members.

Support sources
• Queensland Parks and Wildlife officers has pledged to provide their support and expertise.
• AACE’s credibility and expertise has been confirmed by the DPI Animal Ethics Committee (Central Region) that recently filed a report stating that the Bridled Nailtails were in good hands.
• AACE has also received high marks from the Central Queensland University Ethics Committee.
• Rockhampton Zoo provides in kind support on a regular basis.

Scientific Research
• Funding has been made available for the Central Queensland University to study diseases in the Bridled Nailtail wallabies
• CQU scientists conduct ongoing studies on the immunology of the Bridled Nailtail wallaby

Future goals and objectives
• Establish an ongoing effective public awareness campaign aimed at supporting the recovery of the Bridled Nailtail Wallabies and other endangered species.
• Capture specific number of viable breeders from the wild for genetic diversity.
• Isolate viable breeders.
• Setting up breeding pairs in breeding pens.
• Carry out predator and weed monitoring and control and erect fencing where necessary on release properties.
• Release micro-chipped offspring into the wild.
• Monitor activities and population numbers twice yearly.
• Successfully establish self sustaining populations of Bridled Nailtail wallabies in the wild in areas of suitable habitat.
• Identify funding sources that will allow Project Kial to become self-sustaining.
• Undertake continuous monitoring of wallaby colonies.
• Endeavour to work with wildlife experts in New South Wales and Victoria who are also interested in re-establishing Bridled Nailtail populations in their states’ original territories
• Remove Bridled Nailtail Wallabies from the IUCN red list!

Credibility
AACE’s Project Kial credibility and expertise have been confirmed by the DPI Animal Ethics Committee (Central Region) that recently filed a report stating that the Bridled Nailtails were in good hands. Two veterinarians have written letters of recommendation regarding the outstanding skills demonstrated by the program’s primary carer and several local politicians have voiced their support and approval.

AACE Inc
PO Box 47, Marlborough, QLD 4705
Tel: 07-4935-6076. Email: info@aace.org.au