*The research team measuring a white-throated snapping turtle in Munna Creek.*

Researchers have uncovered a disturbing increase in the number of invasive pests in the Mary River catchment, which potentially challenges the survival of threatened native species.

Burnett Mary Regional Group is leading a consortium of stakeholders to survey iconic threatened species in the Mary River and its tributaries following the devastating floods 18 months ago.

These include the Mary River cod, white throated snapping turtle, the Australian lungfish and the Mary River turtle.

Research scientist Dr David Sternberg said baseline surveys were gathering species distribution and abundance data from 50 sites across the Mary River catchment, using modern scientific and traditional sampling methods.

The data will be used to plan and prioritise an ongoing program of flood recovery and resilience actions for threatened species across the catchment.

“The general take home is that the threatened species, while they were fairly widespread, they were in very low numbers,” Dr Sternberg said.

“We did find a number of invasive species which are potentially putting pressure on the threatened species.

“Specifically, we found tilapia, sooty grunter, and foxes. These invasive species in particular probably pose the greatest threat to our iconic species.”

Landholders thanked for support

Dr Sternberg said Mary River cod numbers were much lower than expected, while it appears Australian lungfish have recovered well from the disturbance.

He thanked landholders and partners for their support.

“Their willingness to participate and their positive attitude towards our research is a testament to their resilience as a community,” he said.

“They’ve been through a lot with the floods, and now the drought, and to have them go out of their way to provide access to the river was really special. The Mary River species are unique and special, and the community is no different.”

Dr Sternberg said the research is important because it establishes a catchment-scale dataset on the distribution and abundance of threatened and introduced species post floods, including comparison with pre-flood distribution data.

It will also provide data to guide and inform planning of various flood recovery and resilience management interventions, including BMRG’s 10-year Resilience Strategy for the Burnett-Mary Region.

Partners in the project include Traditional Owners, Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, Griffith University, SEQ Water and Noosa Shire Council.