GATHAAGUDU ANIMAL TRACKING PROJECT

Known as Wuthuga in the Malgana language, dugongs are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and are ecologically, economically, and culturally significant. They depend on seagrass for survival, and data collected will help understand their movement behaviors and habitat use within the meadows of Gathaagudu.

Known as Thaaka in the Malgana language, tiger sharks are apex predators that play a crucial role in Gathaagudu’s seagrass meadows ecosystem. By tracking their movements, we aim to understand how these sharks utilize Shark Bay, their role in maintaining ecological balance, and their long-distance travel patterns.

Turtles (Buyungurra in the Malgana language) are vital to the ecosystem and culture of Gathaagudu, with green and loggerhead turtles frequently foraging in Shark Bay's seagrass meadows. Turtle Bay on Dirk Hartog Island (Wirruwana) also serves as a crucial nesting site for loggerhead turtles.