Conservation students and Indigenous Rangers unite to protect endangered cave species

12 May 2026

Group shot of Erin Greatbatch Kylie Johnston Frank Cowell Ivan Slater Liam Petersen at the Capricorn Caves.jpg — Capricorn Caves Natural Resource Management Officer Erin Greatbatch, CQU Conservation student Kylie Johnston, Woorabinda Rangers Lynette Skeen, Frank Cowell and Ivan Slater, with CQU Conservation student Liam Petersen at the Capricorn Caves

CQUniversity conservation students and Woorabinda Rangers have officially kicked off another year of environmental restoration work at the Capricorn Caves, helping protect a fragile dry rainforest ecosystem that supports endangered species including the ghost bat (Macroderma gigas) and cave fern (Tectaria devexa).

The 2026 Woorabinda Rangers recently completed their first induction at the nationally significant conservation site near Rockhampton, joining CQUniversity Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management students to rehabilitate the semi-evergreen vine thicket surrounding the caves.

The partnership blends conservation science, Indigenous knowledge and caring for Country, giving students hands-on experience while learning from Rangers about cultural land management practices and the significance of the area.

CQUniversity Lead Teacher in Horticulture and Conservation Kay Pearson said the partnership had been creating meaningful learning opportunities since 2022.

“Our conservation students have been working with Woorabinda Rangers several times a year since 2022, across sites including Capricorn Caves, Mt Archer, Konomie Island and Woorabinda,” Ms Pearson said.

“This was the first time the 2026 Woorabinda Rangers had visited the Capricorn Caves site, so there’s been a lot of excitement around meeting each other and beginning work together.”

kay pearson and Liam Petersen removing weeds from the Capricorn Caves surrounds.jpg — Teacher Kay Pearson instructing the Conversation students on weed removal at the Capricorn Caves' dry rainforest

When CQUniversity students first began work in the area, the site had been heavily impacted by Cyclone Marcia, prolonged drought and major bushfires, leaving the ecosystem overtaken by lantana, invasive vines and dense grasses.

Capricorn Caves Natural Resource Management Officer Erin Greatbatch said students had played a major role in rehabilitating the site.

“In the last couple of years, the students have successfully removed the bulk of the weeds, with only minimal follow-up maintenance now required,” Ms Greatbatch said.

“They’ve also undertaken several planting events, including planting tubestock propagated from seeds collected on site.”

Ms Greatbatch said restoring the dry rainforest was critical to protecting the cave’s ecosystem and the wildlife that depended on it.

woman in work shirt and shorts removing weeds.jpg — CQU Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management student Kylie Johnston removes lantana from the Capricorn Caves landscape

“The cave system and surrounding dry rainforest have a symbiotic relationship,” she said.

“The vegetation acts as a buffer against temperature fluctuations, storms, bushfires and harsh weather conditions, which is critical for species that rely on stable cave environments.”

The restoration work also improves habitat connectivity between Capricorn Caves and neighbouring Mt Etna Caves National Park, supporting greater biodiversity across the region.

Unlike tropical rainforests, dry rainforest ecosystems exist in areas with distinct wet and dry seasons and contain plant species specially adapted to harsh conditions.

The Capricorn Caves semi-evergreen vine thicket contains more than 200 plant species, a few endemic to Central Queensland.

Capricorn Caves also works alongside Capricornia Catchments and Capricorn Conservation Council on conservation projects across the property, including weed management, revegetation and restoration programs with local schools.