Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is calling on the community to take part in the 2026 Ringtail Tally, a vital citizen science program helping protect the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum.
Running from 1 April to 2 May, the annual tally invites residents to count possums in their backyard or local bushland, building a clearer picture of how the species is faring across the region.
To launch this year’s tally, a special Night Stalk will be held along Wooditjup Bilya on Friday 27 March, giving families and community members the chance to learn how to spot possums and contribute to the survey.
Nature Conservation staff Lindsay Cox and Lauren Scanlon
The guided evening walk will introduce participants to the Gnauren (Western Ringtail Possum), offering insights into its habitat, behaviour and the challenges it faces. Attendees will also learn practical spotlighting tips to help them take part in the tally at home.
“Armed with a torch and a sense of curiosity, participants will help record sightings that feed directly into conservation research,” says Nature Conservation officer Lauren Scanlon. “Each observation contributes to a growing dataset that helps scientists track population trends and inform on-ground protection efforts.”
Locals are invited on our Night Stalk to spot fauna including ringtail possums
The Ringtail Tally is open to everyone, whether they attend the Night Stalk or not. Participants can submit as little as one survey, although regular counts throughout the month are encouraged. Surveys can be completed in a backyard, street or nearby bushland, and multiple sites can be monitored.
This year, the program moves fully online, making it easier than ever to record and submit sightings via phone or computer.
“By taking part, the community plays a direct role in safeguarding one of the region’s most iconic and threatened species,” says Lauren.
Register for the Night Stalk via our Events Page and find out more about Ringtail Tally HERE.