Wildlife Research

Saving Cumburmurra Sanctuary

15 April 2020 2 min read

When Scott and Sonya Reyes bought their “dream property” in the Southern Highlands of NSW last year, they weren’t expecting to be faced with a national disaster just months later.

But in the face of devastation, the couple are now more determined than ever to save and support the vegetation and wildlife entrusted to them.

Just 26 days after their property, Cumburmurra Sanctuary, was gazetted as a Wildlife Refuge, the Morton and Currowan fires decimated the area. The fierce fires witnessed in January not only destroyed all the vegetation and a small overnight shelter at Cumburmurra but also threatened the Reyes’ own home – 100’s of kilometres away in Bargo – forcing them to evacuate.

“We never anticipated this – just 12 months after we had bought the property,” Sonya said.

Thankfully their home was spared, but their visit to Cumburmurra soon after showed six months’ worth of hard work was completely gone. Despite the heart-breaking scene before them, the couple knew they would rebuild.

“The ecology was very depressing. Seeing all the black trees – but we know it is coming back. The seed bank is there so we know it will recover over time,” Sonya said.

“Our main concern has been for the wildlife that have been left with nothing to eat,” Sonya, who shares a background in ecology and a passion for the environment with her husband, Scott said.

As the gateway to the Morton National Park and Ettrema Wilderness area, Cumburmurra Sanctuary had long been recognised for its unique plant and animal species.

“We are right on the fringe of some areas that were not burnt, so that has made a huge difference. We are hoping that a lot of the wildlife was able to move into these areas to save themselves. That is what we are looking for now,” Sonya said.

The couple have set up a Swift Enduro to monitor the property while they are away. Already the cameras have captured wildlife beginning to return. One native animal they were very keen to see was their resident wombat, Nosey.

“The cameras are really key for us – especially as we don’t yet live on the property. They are giving us a photographic record of animal behaviour and what animals are returning over time – helping to track the sequence of recovery after the fires,” Sonya said.

“Sadly, we’ve also seen a fox and a cat – but this means we can also keep looking at what pest species are coming in,” Sonya said.

As well as a massive clean-up, the couple have been bringing in food and establishing water points in ICB’s for the returning animals. They are also planning to rebuild the shelter and put up wildlife friendly fencing to minimise access to motorbikes and cars.

“Our main goal is to see the property re-established as a habitat sanctuary,” Sonya said.

“You can save the animals, but if they don’t have a habitat then where are they going to live? At the end of the day, if we don’t save the habitat then these animals will have nowhere to go.”

For those wanting to help, Sonya has set up a Facebook page documenting what they are doing on Cumburmurra along with details of how to donate towards the re-build.

“It’s going to be ok, but it is going to be a long road,” she said.

For more information or to help, visit their page Cumburmurra Sanctuary.