For a species that was thought to be extinct, there is new hope.
Australian scientists are thrilled with the success of their efforts to support the growth of this species.
Ecologists at Australia’s Mount Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary have discovered something incredible.
They found a group of little, spiky baby animals in the sanctuary.
These animals are quite unique. They are a distinct species of carnivorous marsupial known as “western quolls.”
These animals used to be widespread throughout Australia, but their populations have significantly decreased since European settlers arrived.
Currently, only the southwestern region of Australia is home to western quolls, also called chuditchs, who live in tiny groups.
About the size of a cat, this marsupial species is beneficial to the ecosystem. They aid in controlling the numbers of birds, some reptiles, and tiny invertebrates.
A fresh hope.
Scientists have recently been working to restore marsupials to the Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, where they once lived before going extinct.
With the recent joyful news of the discovery of baby marsupials, it appears that the scientists have done a fantastic job. The animals are healthy and able to give birth to babies without any issues.
According to Georgia Anderson, a Senior Field Ecologist at AWC, “through routine monitoring, we can see the quolls are doing well at the sanctuary and encountering the first pouch young is a positive sign that they have adjusted to the new environment.”
We have a quoll named Aang that frequently appears at the camera traps we place at the release locations. He is one of our biggest and most impressive quolls, and he has a personality to match. He frequently visits several locations to gather the chicken we use as baits and messes with our bait canisters,” she continued.
The fact that there is hope for the species is so thrilling! I sincerely hope it can soon begin to thrive once more throughout Australia!
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