THE endangered Shark Bay bandicoot is adapting to a feral predator-free life in north-western New South Wales, two years after the species was reintroduced to the Pilliga State Conservation Area.
A photograph of a female bandicoot with three young at foot inspired confidence among ecologists who have closely monitored the species since it was flown 3000 km from Western Australia.
The reintroduction in August, 2023 was conducted by Australian Wildlife Conservancy in partnership with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of a program to restore at least six regionally extinct mammals to a 5800 hectare feral predator-free enclosure.
AWC field ecologist, Maisie Duffin, said the bandicoot family portrait is one of many signs the population is experiencing a smooth transition to its new home.
“It definitely made our day seeing the photo of the three young bandicoots scurrying to keep up with their mum,” Maisie said.
“We were sifting through thousands of motion sensor camera images when we came across that gem.
“Aside from being completely adorable, it gave us great confidence that the bandicoots are breeding and that the population in the Pilliga is growing,” she said.
Sixty-six Shark Bay bandicoots – also known as western barred bandicoots – were part of the original cohort released to the Pilliga.
Prior to their arrival, the bandicoot had been absent from the wild in north-western New South Wales for more than 150 years, driven to extinction mainly due to the impact of introduced predators such as cats and foxes.
During a post-reintroduction trapping survey in August last year, ecologists captured 85 bandicoots, 44 of which were born in the Pilliga.
While most of the bandicoots captured were adults, more than half of the females lured in by bait balls of peanut butter, oats and fish, were in breeding condition.
“Having been involved in the initial reintroduction of Shark Bay bandicoot to the Pilliga, it is exciting to see them now breeding – a promising sign that they are well on their way to establishing a viable, self-sustaining population,” said NPWS threatened species manager David Kelly.
Ecologists will continue monitoring the bandicoots over the coming years to track the status and trajectory of the population. The team is also expecting to capture more bandicoot pictures through the permanent deployment of motion sensor cameras across the fenced area.
Media: Australian Wildlife Conservancy
