The Eastern Barred Bandicoot: Preserving the Unique Marsupial
The state of Victoria, located in southeastern Australia, is known for its varied ecosystems and exceptional wildlife. One of its remarkable inhabitants is the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii), a small marsupial species believed to have been extinct in mainland Australia since 1991. Recently, however, it has become the first Australian species to have its conservation status revised.
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.
Interesting read. I hope the continue to do well.