By Prue Simmons | Wild Futures National Coordinator
Greetings from the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Revival Team! Our Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery project is in full swing to help save this amazing species. One of the most critically endangered marsupials in Victoria, habitat loss, agriculture, urban development, competition from introduced rabbits and the introduction of predator species such as foxes, cats and dogs have taken a huge toll on these bandicoot populations.
In order to save these amazing creatures from extinction, large areas of crucial habitat need to be protected and maintained to release captive animals. Through the Wild Futures program, Conservation Volunteers is creating a bandicoot haven just 30 mins from Melbourne in Victoria where bandicoots will safely roam and breed, increasing and (hopefully!) doubling the small population size for the species.
Enclosing the Eastern Barred Bandicoot habitat – known affectionately as the ‘back paddock’, the all-important predator proof fence is tall to prevent cats and foxes climbing over. With the finishing touches on the fence well underway, the Eastern Barred Bandicoot team are now turning their attention to ongoing border patrol and fence maintenance. Regular patrols and maintenance must be carried out on the fence to prevent breaches resulting from animals digging under, vandals from cutting the fence or branches falling onto it. Patrolling the 7km perimeter takes a lot of time and effort. In order to effectively monitor the fence, patrol teams use bicycles to get about in the most eco-efficient way. More bicycles are needed for our patrol teams.
With the wetter weather approaching, important planting activities will also soon commence to provide the bandicoots with a good variety of food and shelter.
Your valuable donation will ensure that these important habitat enhancement and ongoing fence maintenance activities will continue, preparing this site for the upcoming release of bandicoots back into their natural habitat. You can choose what you would like to support through set amounts for fencing materials, plants and tools or training – or pledge your own amount and know that you are actively assisting in bringing the bandicoot back from the brink of extinction!
A huge thank you to those that have supported our Eastern Barred Bandicoot project so far – your contribution will ensure that these important conservation efforts continue and that the Eastern Barred Bandicoot will indeed have a Wild Future!
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