Gilbert’s potoroo, world’s rarest marsupial, released back into original habitat at Two Peoples Bay
25 November 2022
Published by: https://www.abc.net.au
AUSTRALIA – The world’s rarest marsupial has been released back into its original habitat for the first time since a bushfire decimated the species.
It is estimated about 100 Gilbert’s potoroos remain, with the species originally thought to be extinct in the 1900s. It was only rediscovered near Two Peoples Bay, east of Albany, in 1994.
The wild population was wiped out by a bushfire that tore through 90 per cent of the habitat in 2015 prompting a major effort to save the species from extinction.
Six potoroos were recently released back into the area at Two Peoples Bay on the slopes of Mount Gardner by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The four males and two females come from ‘insurance populations’ established on nearby Bald Island and a fenced area in Waychinicup National Park.
Department research associate Tony Friend said it was a major milestone in efforts to protect the small marsupial.
“We’re making up ground from a catastrophe,” Dr Friend said.
“The reintroduction to Two Peoples Bay is promising but there’s still a long way to go.”
Tracking key to monitor species
The released potoroos, which feed almost exclusively on underground-fruiting fungi, were fitted with GPS trackers and radio transmitters.
“We’ll be able to find out where they move, where they feed, and where they sleep,” Dr Friend said.
“It’s important as we hope to learn if the potoroos can use the area that was burnt in 2015 … the vegetation is not as thick.”
Feral predators biggest threat
Foxes and feral cats are baited in the national park but still pose a threat to the species.
Principal research scientist Lesley Gibson said the insurance populations, away from predators, were key to the species’ survival.
“This endearing marsupial still faces threats from foxes and feral cats and unmanaged fire regimes,” Dr Gibson said.
“It is vital that we continue to manage our conservation areas at the landscape scale to ensure viable habitat and maintain these areas with low levels of feral predators.”
