Description: The project aimed to protect a local pond by reducing predation and increasing the water bird population while raising awareness among nearby communities. Efforts to control predators, particularly rats and cats, yielded mixed results due to challenges such as ant interference and sporadic cat presence. Despite this, stable populations of water birds were observed, suggesting limited effectiveness of predator control measures within the monitoring period. While attempts to attract migratory waders were inconclusive, awareness activities successfully reduced harmful human activities around the pond. Unexpected outcomes included improved local knowledge and the identification of potentially invasive species. Stakeholder engagement, including school sessions and collaboration with relevant organisations, enhanced project legitimacy and impact. Valuable lessons learned highlighted the importance of thorough site knowledge, adaptive strategies for predator control, and proactive community involvement in future conservation efforts.
Duration: 16 months
