Return to 1616 Ecological Restoration Project
We recognise and acknowledge Malgana people as the Traditional Owners of Dirk Hartog Island National Park.
The Return to 1616 project is set on Dirk Hartog Island, or Wirruwana to the local Malgana People, in the World Heritage Area of Shark Bay or Gathaagudu. The project aims to restore the habitats and native fauna within the national park to a state similar to that encountered by Dutch sea captain Dirk Hartog when he landed there in 1616.
The project's vision is to create "A special natural place with healthy vegetation and ecosystem processes supporting the full suite of terrestrial native mammal species believed to have occurred there prior to 1616, which is highly valued and appreciated by Western Australians".
The project's primary goal is to re-establish twelve native mammal species and one bird species on the island, along with healthy vegetation and ecosystem processes to sustain the island's biodiversity. Of the mammal species, 10 are known to have occurred on the island and 2 are likely to have occurred on the island. Many of these species are threatened with extinction on mainland Australia.
The project is being implemented by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in two stages. Stage 1 was implemented from 2012-2018, and stage 2 runs from 2017-2030. Both stages of Return to 1616 are largely funded by the Gorgon Barrow Island Net Conservation Benefits Fund with lesser amounts from DBCA.
The first stage of the project focused on the removal of pest animals including feral cats, goats and sheep from the island allowing for the second stage of native fauna translocations.
Integral to the success of the project is the implementation of biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction or reintroduction of high risk pest species. These biosecurity protocols are being implemented by DBCA staff, and their adoption by visitors to the island and other stakeholders is encouraged.
Major achievements to date
Stage 1 (2012-2018)
- Worlds's largest whole of island eradication of ungulates (sheep and goats). The eradication of ungulates (sheep and goats) from Dirk Hartog Island, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Australia | Biological Invasions (springer.com) and Animal Eradication - Shark Bay.
- World's largest whole of island eradication of feral cats. Feral cat eradication on Dirk Hartog Island, Western Australia | Biological Invasions (springer.com) and Animal Eradication - Shark Bay.
- Confirmed absence of black rats.
- Commenced control of high priority weeds.
- Commenced documenting recovery of habitats following removal of sheep and goats via satellite imagery.
- Implemented biosecurity protocols Dirk Hartog Island National Park - Shark Bay.
- Commenced community engagement program.
- Many scientific publications and popular articles, see Publications & Media - Shark Bay.
Stage 2 (2017-2030)
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Commenced returning mammal and bird species to the island. As at 2024, the following species had been returned with more species anticipated in the future:
- Rufus hare-wallaby (2017-19)
- Brush-tailed hare-wallaby (2017-19)
- Shark Bay bandicoot (2019 to 2020)
- Dibbler (2019-2023)
- Shark Bay mouse (2021-2022)
- Greater stick-nest rat (2021-2022)
- Western grasswren (2022)
- Brush-tailed mulgara (2023)
- Continued control of high priority weeds.
- Continued documenting recovery of habitats following removal of sheep and goats via satellite imagery.
- Continued implementing biosecurity protocols Dirk Hartog Island National Park - Shark Bay.
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Commenced community engagement program, including:
- a regular newsletter the Wirruwana News.
- online education package for secondary school teachers to use to teach their students about the project: Education - Shark Bay.
- Many scientific publications and popular articles, see Publications & Media - Shark Bay.
National Park Management
The national park is managed by the DBCA with the Malgana People through a joint management body. To contact the DBCA Gascoyne District office in Denham, see Office locations.
Visiting the island
See Dirk Hartog Island National Park.