Characteristics and Habitat:

The Eastern Barred Bandicoot is a small, stout marsupial that measures about 30 centimetres in length and weighs roughly one kilogram. Their distinct features include short, round ears and a pointed snout, while their fur colour ranges from sandy brown to grey, with white undersides and pale bars on their hindquarters, giving them their name.

Historically, Eastern Barred Bandicoots inhabited many grassland habitats across southeastern Australia, including Victoria. They primarily occupied the grassy woodlands, tussock grasslands, and open grassy plains that were once abundant in the state. These habitats provided ideal conditions for foraging on insects, spiders, plant tubers, and roots, which comprise most of their diet.

• When they dig for food, they create funnel-shaped holes.
• Under favourable conditions, they can produce up to five litters per year.
• Are pregnant for only 12 days before giving birth
• As omnivores, they have a diverse diet that includes invertebrates, plants, fungi, and fruit.
• On average, they weigh 800g and can measure up to 40cm in length, tail included.

Back from the Brink of Extinction:

Over the past century, the population of Eastern Barred Bandicoots has experienced a dramatic decline due to various factors. Agricultural and urban development activities have caused significant land clearance, which has resulted in damage and fragmentation of their natural habitat. This, in turn, has led to the loss of food sources for the bandicoots. Thus leaving them more susceptible to predators like foxes and feral cats. The number of these creatures dwindled to approximately 150 in a single area near Hamilton until conservation groups and government agencies created the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team in 1988.

Conservation Efforts:

Recognising the urgent need to protect this unique species, dedicated conservation efforts have been undertaken in Victoria. Conservation organisations, government agencies, and local communities have collaborated to implement various initiatives to safeguard the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

The eastern barred bandicoot remains on the endangered species list. However, new populations are thriving after successful breeding and release programs. One of the primary strategies has been the establishment of predator-free enclosures, also known as “safe havens.” These fenced areas protect them from introduced predators such as foxes or feral cats, allowing bandicoot populations to recover and breed in a controlled environment. The enclosures at Skipton and Dunkeld are carefully managed to ensure the bandicoots can access suitable habitats and sufficient resources. It is estimated that around 1,500 bandicoots live at these protected reserves in Victoria.

The third and final release of fifty-six bandicoots occurred on French Island in 2019. With no deaths reported, another eighteen were released.

Bandicoot Bodyguards

The bandicoot trials were planned in 2015, inspired by the success of the Middle Island penguin project depicted in the film “Oddball”. Maremmas were introduced to protect penguins from foxes, and it was hoped that they would also effectively safeguard bandicoots. Significantly, it was found that the bandicoots were not overly concerned by the presence of the dogs.

The challenge was that bandicoots are solitary and only active at night. On the other hand, the Maremma dogs are social animals that seek companionship. To overcome this challenge, a small flock of sheep was brought in as a potential solution. The idea is that the maremmas would focus on the sheep during the day and the bandicoots at night when the sheep are resting, thus meeting the dog’s social needs while protecting the bandicoots.

Currently, the Eastern barred bandicoots can only be found in two specific locations in mainland Australia, both enclosed by predator-proof fences. These sites are the only places where the bandicoots can live outside of captivity. Before this, the bandicoots were only found in the wild on multiple islands, such as Churchill and Phillip, where they were introduced to protect their species from extinction.

Importance of Conservation:

Preserving the Eastern Barred Bandicoot for Victoria’s biodiversity and ecological equilibrium is crucial. Being an endemic species, it serves a significant purpose in sustaining healthy ecosystems by dispersing seeds and regulating insect populations. Additionally, the bandicoot’s existence reflects Victoria’s grassland habitats’ overall health and wellness.

Efforts to conserve the Eastern Barred Bandicoot go beyond just protecting the species itself. These initiatives also play a role in preserving the habitats of other native wildlife and restoring the ecosystem services they provide. The conservation of the bandicoot is closely linked to larger environmental objectives such as preventing species extinction, safeguarding biodiversity, and promoting ecological resilience.

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Serendip Sanctuary features open grassy woodlands and wetlands of the western volcanic plains.  Four interconnecting trails meander the sanctuary with predator-proof fencing providing a safe haven.  The trails start at the information centre; each path is no longer than 2km.

History

In the 1860s, George Fairbairn Snr, one of Australia’s most successful pastoralists, established Serendip as a premier sheep stud.  He named it ‘Woodlands’ before changing it to ‘Windemere’ in 1880. Unfortunately, the grasslands vanished with the land cleared, driving all wildlife from the area. The Victorian Government purchased the property in the early 1900s.  However, the Lara Inebriates Institution took over the homestead and 258 hectares.  In 1930, James McDonald bought the land when the Inebriates Institution closed. He then turned it into a crop and sheep farm and leased the original homestead to the State Tobacco Company.  

Oscar and Edna Mendelsohn bought the property when the Tobacco company folded in 1948. They named the property Serendip and established an almond orchard. In addition, the water reservoir was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary for birdlife. Finally, in 1959, the Mendelsohns sold the land to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The Department assumed control of the 240 hectares surrounding the wildlife sanctuary.

Wildlife Walk

The wildlife walk is the most popular and allows visitors to experience a close encounter with wildlife.  This walk takes you past grazing Eastern Grey Kangaroos, then through a series of bird hides, viewing areas and finally into free-flight aviaries.

Wildlife

Over time, attracted by the wetlands, the number of species breeding there increased from 40 in 1959 to 150 in 2021.  Cape barren geese, magpie geese and yellow-billed spoonbills thrive in the shallow freshwater wetland. Additionally, the marshland is home to many ducks and white-faced herons, nankeen night herons, black swans and grebes. Honeyeaters and wattlebirds feed on the nectar and insects in the trees around Lake Serendip while Whistling and Black kites soar and swoop overhead, looking for small prey on the ground.

The Billabong habitat is home to Ducks, swamphens, moorhens, frogs, water rats, and snakes. In contrast, the north arm is a permanent wetland with reliable fish populations providing food for pelicans and cormorants. 

Protected Species

Australian Bustards and Bush Stone Curlew are two rare Victorian birds that were once common on the western plains.  As the Brolgas and Australian bustards were on the verge of extinction, they were selected for the captive breeding program.  The success of the program has since received international recognition.

Australia’s rarest waterfowl, the Freckled Duck, is also on display at Serendip, along with the most secretive of owls, the Masked Owl. Pademelons can be seen at the sanctuary but are now extinct in the wild in Victoria.

Where is it?

100 Windermere Road, Lara

Open 8 am to 4 pm.  Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

Entry is free

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