Wildlife monitoring is an integral part of a wildlife management and conservation that informs managers of the success or otherwise of their programs.

In Tasmania, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment is responsible for the conservation, management and protection of Tasmania's wildlife under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 2002, the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and the Whales Protection Act 1988. Currently, over forty species of wildlife are monitored, mostly rare and threatened species and harvested species, by staff in the Natural and Cultural Heritage Division. 

 
Sixteen species (80%) of the 20 species of wildlife subjected to either harvesting or culling in Tasmania are monitored and the results used to ensure that they are being managed sustainably.

The annual statewide spotlight surveys were originally established to monitor the major harvested species - the brushtail possum, Tasmanian pademelon, Bennett's wallaby.  In more recent times they have also proved useful in monitoring a number of other species of conservation significance - common wombat, Tasmanian devil, and bettong.

A report on the results of recent spotlight surveys is attached:

  Spotlight Summary Report   (1Mb)