Community Conservation:
Real or Propaganda?
Dr Gavin Bedford is on his soapbox, challenging traditional views on
conservation, and the ability of our authorities to make a positive
contribution.
I
had planned to write a simple ‘FOR SALE:
Oenpelli Python juveniles’ advert, but that would
have been way too simplistic for two reasons. The
first is that this project has taken so much effort
and so many years to come to fruition, and the second is
that the many institutions and authorities around
Australia that were initially pushing for the work to be
undertaken – ethically, correctly, and in a way that
would enhance conservation and serve as something of a
showpiece – are the very organizations now ensuring it
goes nowhere.
Many of you are aware that the Oenpelli Python is the
last of our python species to become established in
captivity in Australia. As such, there were a number of
hurdles I had to cross (with the assistance of many
people, including huge contributions from Gordon
‘Gordo’ Canning and Greg Miles) before being given
permission to capture and breed these animals.
The first was to ensure that the Aboriginal custodians
were comfortable with what I was proposing, and that
they benefitted from it. I can tell you that all of my
Indigenous partners have received royalties from this
Oenpelli Pythons: gentle giants with real charisma!
Photos by Dr Gavin Bedford.
project and, to my knowledge, all are very happy about
the processes involved – and the fact that I did what I
told them I would do! They were kept in the loop every
step of the way, and to this day still receive regular
updates.
Then I had to work with Parks and Wildlife NT to
ensure that I received their blessing and conducted
myself according to their wishes. This I attempted to do
to the letter: on one occasion Gordo and I were dropped
in the wrong spot, so I spent a couple of thousand dollars
getting the helicopter to return the next day, to move us
to a location that was within the designated search area.
The additional cost threatened my ability to complete the
project, but had I not done so, my Indigenous partners,
Parks NT and the integrity of the project itself would all
have been compromised.
Parks and Wildlife NT spoke to the respective state
authorities, and from all accounts they were unanimous
in their support, not only of the project itself, but also of
the way it which it was being undertaken. I was subject
to stringent ‘on country’ rules and regulations, and when
I finally did capture some animals (or other people did