Bettong better off
Conservationists create a safe sanctuary
Wildlife conservationists are hoping to use a slice of North Queensland paradise to save a species of adorable, furry critters from becoming extinct.
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy spent more than three years planning and constructing a safe haven for the northern bettong, a tiny mammal that is close to extinction.
While constructing fencing for the 950ha enclosure was finished in October last year, wildlife experts then spent six months systematically tracking, trapping and removing feral pigs and cats, which can pose a threat to the mammals.
Forty-nine northern bettongs have now been moved to the enclosure, which AWC senior field ecologist Felicity L’hottelier said was critical to the future of the species.
“The much-needed homecoming for the northern bettong has been a significant and rewarding project for all those involved,” Ms L’hottelier said.
“While we’ve been monitoring the last two remaining populations across the Lamb Range and Mount Carbine Tableland in recent years, we have also been conducting extensive habitat restoration for the species at Mount ZeroTaravale.
“All that work has paid off now that the species is back here on country within its former range.
“We know that small mammals like this can flourish when feral cats are removed from the equation. If the popu
lation grows at the rate we anticipate, the Mount Zero-taravale population could approach 500 bettongs within four to five years.
“A population of this size
within a secure safe haven not only acts as insurance against extinction of the species but can also provide a source for founders in possible future reintroductions.”
The wildlife sanctuary, which was acquired by AWC in 2003, is located 80km northwest of Townsville on Gugu Badhun country. The tiny macropods that now call the fenced enclosure home are about 30cm tall on average, and weigh about 1.2kg.
Local elder Harry Gertz described having the animals back as an emotional experience.
“We’ve been all through this country and we can see where they’ve been, but we’ve never found one,” Mr Gertz said.
Staff at the facility will continue monitoring the animals over the next few months via radio transmitters, and will conduct surveys as they work to expand the population.