Our team has just returned from the Pilliga Bush Blitz! First Nations leaders and scientists joined forces for a two-week Bush Blitz biodiversity survey on Gamilaraay, Gamilaroi and Gomeroi Countries in the Pilliga, NSW – the largest remnant semi-arid woodland in the state.

The survey, which ran from 22 September to 3 October 2025, explored a biodiverse landscape home to some 900 species of plants, 50 reptiles, at least 15 frogs, and 18 bat species, including listed threatened species.

Brandon Nixon, CEO of Coonabarabran Local Aboriginal Land Council, said it was a pleasure to host the Bush Blitz team at Burra Bee Dee and the Ukerbarley Aboriginal Area, sharing local history and finding species new to science that were previously unknown to the community.

“Our team gained new knowledge and ideas from spending time with the scientists and we look forward to seeing what else has been discovered throughout our Traditional lands,” Mr Nixon said. “Partnerships like this don’t happen every day and we are grateful for the chance to be a part of the program. We welcome the Bush Blitz team back to Coonabarabran any day.”

The Pilliga Bush Blitz team of up to 60 participants brought together Murrunmala Dhawun Rangers, Coonabarabran Local Aboriginal Land Council, Australian Museum, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, CSIRO, University of NSW, University of New England, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Corporation.

Read more about the Pilliga Bush Blitz on the Australian Museum blog: https://australian.museum/blog/amri-news/first-nations-biodiversity-treasures-pilliga/

Photo: The Pilliga Bush Blitz team with the Coonabarabran LALC and Murrunmala Dhawun Rangers (credit: Bryan Lessard, Bush Blitz).