Researcher from the Atoifi Health Research Group, Mr Tommy Esau, has just returned from a trip to Bougainville where he worked with Dr Tyron Lavery, Biologist from University of Queensland and Dr Jeffery Noro, Director of the Kainake Conservation Group. The team were in search of giant rats and monkey-faced bats as part of an Australia National Museum project.

The purpose of Tommy’s trip was to join the ‘Bats And Rats’ expedition at Bougainville and learn about conservation in that area. It is part of the 'look and learn' trips planned by the two community based organizations to build partnerships and strengthen conservation capacity in local contexts.

Tommy explains, “While there I was able to witness the sighting of a giant rat known as the Kamere for the first time, captured by the local hunters during the field trip.” “This is great news for the Kainake community and their future plans for conservation.”

In addition to the capture of a Giant rat, the smaller, more common Pteropodids (flying fox) were caught.

Dr Tyron and Tommy were invited to talk during the community meeting about the importance of caring for the environment, and other ideas about conservation.
Dr Tyrone highlighted that there is a need for recognition of local traditional ecological knowledge with scientific knowledge. “The local’s traditional knowledge should be treasured and encouraged as a way of building local capacity”, Dr Tyrone said.

Tommy also shared with the community about the work and challenges of the Kwainaa’isi Cultural Centre, and the Atoifi Health Research group. Dr Jeffery Noro, Director of the Kainake Conservation Group responded saying, “This sharing (by Tommy) was an inspiration to our group and motivated us to look beyond the challenges we face.”

The two groups are looking forward for more future exchange programs and collaboration on a conservation projects, cultural exchanges, and joint capacity building.

For more information, please email Mr Tommy Esau: fataiaman[at]gmail.com

Photos (L-R): (i) Dr Tyrone and Tommy in Bougainville; (ii) Dr Jeffery, Dr Tyrone and community members of the Kainake Conservation Group