Dr. Josephine Potter-Craven from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania kicked off the event with an insightful talk on Tasmania’s threatened butterflies. She covered their habitats, ecology, identification techniques, and the threats they face, emphasising the importance of survey methods for monitoring these delicate invertebrates. Attendees gained valuable knowledge on how to identify and support various threatened species including the ptunarra brown butterfly.

Rob Freeman from Inland Fisheries Tasmania followed with a presentation on Tasmania’s freshwater fish diversity. He provided information on various species, their conservation statuses, and the challenges they encounter. His session also provided practical information on surveying freshwater fish, highlighting the importance of habitat identification and the need for targeted strategies for mitigation and management.

Dr. Peter McQuillan from the University of Tasmania concluded the presentations with an overview of Tasmania’s threatened moth species. He discussed identification techniques, habitat preferences, and survey methods, shedding light on an often-overlooked group of species vital to the island’s biodiversity.

The event facilitated lively discussions and questions, creating an opportunity for staff to refresh and expand their knowledge of Tasmania’s threatened fauna and the latest surveying techniques for several species.

At North Barker, we hold regular training forums (previously on aquatic fauna, ferns, sedges, collision risk modelling, planning laws, masked owls, and the green-lined ground beetle) to ensure our team stays equipped with the most up-to-date skills and knowledge, enabling us to deliver the highest level of expert services and advice to our clients.

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With several Tasmanian ferns listed as threatened under state and federal legislation, accurate identification and field detection are essential for detailed natural values assessment, informing sound environmental management decisions, and ensuring our client’s compliance with environmental legislation.

Led by expert botanists Michael Garrett and Mark Wapstra, the workshop combined classroom and field learning. We began with hands-on practice using pressed specimens and identification keys, refining our techniques to confidently distinguish between species. This meticulous process allowed our team to understand the subtle differences in frond structure, spore arrangement patterns, and other features critical to correct identification.

The second part of the workshop took us into the hills of the central east coast, where we explored rocky outcrops, wet gullies and dry forests, applying our new skills in situ. This immersive approach reinforced the importance of recognising and protecting Tasmania’s fern species, particularly those under threat.

By continuing to invest in specialised internal and external training, North Barker is committed to maintaining the highest standard of ecological expertise. Workshops like this ensure our team remains skilled, informed, and ready to contribute to the protection of Tasmania’s remarkable natural heritage (as well as providing an opportunity for the team to express their Pteridomania).

North Barker would like to extend a special thanks to Mike Garrett and Mark Wapstra for generously sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm, which made this botanical training workshop both informative and inspiring.

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