The Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group

The Tree-Kangaroo and Mammal Group (TKMG) is an incorporated community group based on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, Australia. The group was formed in 1997 and has become a strong and active advocacy, education and conservation group on the Tablelands. Our members are a diverse mix of local residents, scientists, farmers, teachers, artists and people from elsewhere in Australia and the world who are interested in, and concerned about the conservation of the rich mammal fauna of North Queensland.

These include Australia's largest arboreal mammals, the Lumholtz's and Bennett's Tree-kangaroos, the far-north Queensland population of koalas, the Spotted-tailed Quoll and the rainforest dwelling Musky Rat-kangaroo, and other mammals of the wet sclerophyll (eucalypt) forests including the Yellow-bellied Glider, Northern Bettong, and the Black-footed Tree-rat.

Projects and activities undertaken by the Group focus on issues pertaining to a range of species.

Our Aims

• To conserve tree-kangaroos and other Far North Queensland mammals by promoting the awareness and knowledge of these animals
• To undertake and assist with studies into their habitats and biology
• To liaise with groups and organisations with similar objectives

Community Action Plan (CAP)

Community Action Plan for the conservation of the Lumholtz’s tree-kangaroo and its habitat 2014-2019.

The TKMG Community Action Plan for the Conservation of Lumholtz’s tree‐kangaroo 2014-2019 (CAP) listed 5 goals with potential actions for each goal.

The Committee is taking the opportunity of our celebration of 20 years of TKMG working for tree‐kangaroos and mammals of the Tablelands and Wet Tropics, to assess what progress has been made towards achieving the goals outlined in the CAP and to identify areas where more work is needed or where the original goals may benefit from modification and reassessment.We welcome input from TKMG members about the CAP goals and the work that has been done towards achieving them.If you have questions about the CAP or are interested in ‘championing’ one of the goals, please let us know.

Meetings

The group meets on the first Thursday of each month, starting February usually at the Malanda Hotel (Atherton Tablelands), and we warmly welcome visitors.

We invite interesting guest speakers to presentation meetings, covering a wide range of naturalist and conservation topics. You might expect to hear about an Aboriginal perspective on the Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo (or muppie/mabi), what it's like to work in a Flying-fox "hospital", or how to integrate sound management of riparian vegetation on your property at one of our meetings.

There are business meetings every month, starting February. PLEASE NOTE: the time, date and place of Committee meetings may vary depending on our schedules. Members are welcome to attend Committee meetings and should contact the secretary for information on date, time and location. Every second month, starting February, there are presentations, open to the general public, a range of animal and environmental issues, often with a local focus, at 7:30pm.

Markets

We occasionally have a market stall at Yungaburra Markets--look for us there. We also have market stalls at some special events held on the Atherton Tablelands and surrounds. TKMG merchandise is available at general meetings (usually held 7:30pm on even numbered months-Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec).

Membership

Membership is open to all interested people for an annual subscription of $15, a newsletter is mailed out 3 to 4 x per year. Visit the membership page to sign up or find out more information.

TKMG Committee (current Nov 2023)

President: Peter Valentine

Vice-president: Leanne Hales

Secretary: Amy Shima

Treasurer: Simon Burchill

Committee Members:

• Margit Cianelli
• Ceinwen Edwards
• Belinda Bogart
• Angus Emmott

We would like to thank Sustainable Solutions Global Pty Ltd (SSG) for the sponsorship of this website and newsletters.


SSG works in partnership with our clients to assess and manage the environmental and social impact of transformative development projects across the world.

Visit the SSG website for more information about their services.