Latest news from the IDA and the desert ranger network.

JYAC Rangers and KJ Jigalong Rangers got together for some Aerial Incendiary Machine Operator (IMO) Training. All rangers successfully got their IMO certification, strengthening their skills in aerial fire management and operational safety.

Mulyamiji March is back! Desert ranger teams will use their expert tracking skills to monitor the population of Great Desert Skink! Mulyamiji March is an ambitious, Indigenous-led national monitoring event for the iconic and culturally significant Great Desert Skink (aka Mulyamiji, Tjakuṟa, Tjalapa, Warrana, Nampu). Over two weeks in March, Indigenous desert ranger teams from across the desert will work together to build a story about the significance of Aboriginal Land for Tjakuṟa. To do this, ranger teams will use their expert tracking skills to find burrows and work out who's living inside. Scientific data will be collected using a consistent method in a big month of collaboration to protect the Great Desert Skink. This year's theme is 'Motivate and Educate'. The IDA is coordinating the implementation of priority actions in the Great Desert Skink Recovery Plan with support from the Australian Government's Saving Native Species Program and NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub. NESP is supported through funding from the Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program.

The 2026 Waru Meeting was held this week at Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon Resort bringing together teams from Central Land Council, APY and Ngaanyatjarra Council. The meeting was a great opportunity for rangers and Traditional Owners from the Central Deserts to connect, yarn up and do some regional planning for the 2026 waru (fire) season.

The Far West Ranger Gathering was held this week at Scotdesco, bringing together 40 rangers from 5 ranger teams in the Far West region to yarn up with each other and spend time together on country. Stay tuned for more!