Little Creatures

EloraM23 · Nov 24, 2009 09:51 25 112

EloraM23 OP

Nov 24, 2009 09:51

A breeding program to restore the arid zone in Australia, has brought with it new blood.

25 replies

EloraM23 OP

Nov 24, 2009 09:54

Five bandicoots, from a remote island off the west Australian coast, have been released into the Arid Recovery reserve in the state's far north. The new bandicoots would help increase the genetic diversity of the captive population.

EloraM23 OP

Nov 24, 2009 09:57

Five animals may not seem like much, but in reality they could actually make a significant difference, not just to the Arid Recovery population but to the national recovery of this endangered species. Their current population started from just six animals with only one male.

EloraM23 OP

Nov 24, 2009 10:02

The newcomers, three females and two males from Faure Island, have already settled into their new home. Already building their characteristic small nests in leaf litter under dense bushes, and soon to be breeding in the near future.

EloraM23 OP

Nov 24, 2009 10:06

The 60sq km Arid Recovery reserve, 20 km north of Roxby Downs, is surrounded by a cat, rabbit and fox fence. Four locally-extinct native mammals have been reintroduced: the greater stick nest rat, burrowing bettong, greater bilby and the western barred bandicoot.