Australia - June 24, 2024

Australia's heath goannas, formidable giant lizards native to the southern heathlands, are emerging as unsung heroes in the fight against blowflies that threaten the country's sheep farming industry. A recent study led by the University of Cambridge underscores the critical role these reptiles play as natural scavengers, significantly reducing blowfly populations and mitigating the devastating effects of 'fly strike' on sheep.

Blowflies, notorious for laying eggs on sheep which hatch into flesh-eating maggots, cost Australian farmers an estimated $280 million annually. The study conducted across the Marna Banggara Rewilding Project area on the Yorke Peninsula revealed that heath goannas outperform introduced European mammals like red foxes and cats in controlling blowfly numbers.

"Native scavengers like heath goannas are proving to be much more effective at clearing carcasses and reducing blowfly infestations compared to invasive species," explained Tom Jameson, PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the study published in Ecology and Evolution.

Using camera traps and feeding stations with dead rats, researchers observed that native Australian scavengers consumed more carcasses and maggots than their introduced counterparts within a short span. This finding highlights the ecological importance of preserving native species like heath goannas to restore ecosystem balance and support agricultural sustainability.

"Their role in curbing blowfly populations not only benefits sheep health and welfare but also enhances the broader ecosystem services," added Jameson.

The Marna Banggara Rewilding Project, championed by Narungga traditional owners, aims to reintroduce native species and restore ecosystem health by reducing the impact of invasive species brought by European settlers centuries ago. Heath goannas, known for their ability to grow up to 1.5 meters in length and consume both carrion and live prey, are among the last remaining large land scavengers in Australia.

As conservation efforts expand to protect these endangered reptiles, the hope is to not only preserve Australia's unique biodiversity but also bolster sustainable agricultural practices and promote wildlife tourism.