At the Australian Wildlife Conservancy’s (AWC) Pilliga State Conservation Area, many locally extinct species are getting a second chance thanks to the organization’s mammal reintroduction program. About two years ago, AWC researchers working in conjunction with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) released 60 endangered Shark Bay bandicoots into the park, hopeful that these adorable animals would thrive in the safe haven.
Just recently, while poring through thousands of motion sensor camera images, the scientists saw something amazing — a mother bandicoot and her three babies scurrying across the expanse.
“It definitely made our day,” AWC field ecologist Maisie Duffin said in a press release.
AWC
Shark Bay bandicoots, also known as western barred bandicoots or marls, are the smallest species of bandicoots, a medium-sized Australian marsupial known for their galloping run. Like most bandicoots, Shark Bay bandicoots are solitary, nocturnal omnivores who use their long noses to dig plants and small vertebrates out of the soil. According to Bush Heritage Australia, this digging plays an important ecological role, as it helps cycle nutrients, decompose leaf litter and produce new soil.
AWC
Shark Bay bandicoots once thrived in North West New South Wales, but diminished into extinction when new predators arrived in the area. For the last 150 years, Shark Bay bandicoots were nowhere to be found. Spotting an entire family is extremely promising.
“The bandicoot family portrait is one of many signs that the population is experiencing a smooth transition to its new home,” AWC wrote in the press release.
Hayley Charlton-Howard
Ecologists plan to monitor these bandicoots over the next few years and track their growth. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time they see bandicoot families thriving in the wild.
Caitlin Potts
“Having been involved in the initial reintroduction of Shark Bay bandicoot to the Pilliga, it is exciting to see them now breeding,” NPWS threatened species manager David Kelly said in the press release. “[It’s] a promising sign that they are well on their way to establishing a viable, self-sustaining population.”
To help other animals like these bandicoots, you can make a donation to Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
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