Eastern Barred Bandicoot: A Remarkable Recovery Story
Captive Breeding: A Lifeline for Extinct Species
In 1988, the eastern barred bandicoot was declared extinct in the wild. However, thanks to a dedicated captive breeding program, this small marsupial has made an incredible comeback. Scientists removed 40 bandicoots from the last remaining population and established a breeding program at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries. Within a few decades, the captive population had grown to over 1,500 individuals.
Reintroduction: Facing the Challenges
Despite the success of captive breeding, reintroducing the eastern barred bandicoot to the wild proved to be a significant challenge. Six reintroductions failed due to fox predation. A 2011 recovery plan identified the need to eliminate foxes from release sites before reintroducing bandicoots.
Islands and Fenced Enclosures: Safe Havens
The recovery team released bandicoots onto fox-free islands and fenced enclosures on the mainland. These protected areas provided a safe haven for the bandicoots to establish new populations. By 2021, 1,500 bandicoots had been successfully reintroduced to four fenced areas and three islands.
Maremma Dogs: Unlikely Protectors
To expand the bandicoots’ range beyond fenced areas, scientists turned to an innovative solution: Maremma sheepdogs. These large, protective dogs have been trained to deter foxes from bandicoot territories. Over the past two years, bandicoots have been released into open grasslands with Maremmas and sheep for protection.
Genetic Diversity: A Crucial Element
The lack of genetic diversity in the Victorian sub-species of eastern barred bandicoot posed a serious threat to its long-term survival. A 2013 study revealed that all living Victorian bandicoots were descended from just 19 individuals. To address this issue, the recovery team launched a genetic rescue program, breeding Tasmanian bandicoots with the endangered mainland ones. This increased the genetic diversity of the Victorian population and improved its resilience.
Fox Control: A Balancing Act
While Maremma dogs have proven effective in deterring foxes, they do not completely eliminate them from bandicoot territories. Instead, they create a sense of unease for foxes, making them less likely to linger in areas where the dogs are present. This strategy allows bandicoots to coexist with foxes while reducing the risk of predation.
Monitoring and Research: Guiding the Recovery
Camera traps and other monitoring techniques are used to track bandicoot movements and assess the effectiveness of conservation measures. Scientists are also studying the predator-wary behavior of bandicoots, with the goal of breeding individuals that are more likely to avoid foxes.
A Model for Conservation
The recovery of the eastern barred bandicoot demonstrates the power of collaboration, innovation, and scientific research in conservation efforts. The successful use of captive breeding, reintroduction techniques, and predator control has provided a valuable model for the recovery of other endangered species.
The Future of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot
The future of the eastern barred bandicoot is bright. With continued monitoring, research, and conservation efforts, this remarkable species is well on its way to securing its place in the Australian ecosystem once again. The successful reintroduction of the eastern barred bandicoot serves as a testament to the resilience of nature and the dedication of those who are working to protect it.
