Eastern Quolls Return to Barrington Tops For First Time in 60 Years

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Twenty-eight eastern quolls have been released into the Barrington Tops Wildlife Sanctuary, marking their first return to the area in over 60 years, as part of conservation efforts by organisation Aussie Ark. 

Through a breeding program Aussie Ark has successfully bred the vulnerable species to almost 90 individuals, a number that grows with every season.

“Our ultimate goal is to bolster the Eastern quoll species’ population and rewild the Barrington Tops. The release of these 28 individuals is a massive step in the right direction, ”Aussie Ark’s President Tim Faulkner says. 

Eastern quolls have been largely extinct on mainland Australia and from the Barrington Tops, since the 1960s due to habitat fragmentation and predation from feral foxes, cats and domestic dogs, and for many years were only widespread in Tasmania. 

Over the years they have been re-introduced into fenced wild sanctuaries, like Aussie Ark’s, which provides refuge and a healthy habitat, removed of feral predators.

These ideal conditions allow the species to thrive and therefore breed effectively. 

Last year, the organisation’s breeding record was broken with the birth of 51 quoll joeys. 

First Tassie Devil Joeys Born in Breeding Program This Year, As Snow Falls On Barrington Tops

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Pouch checks have revealed 26 new Tasmanian Devil joeys have been born so far this year, as part of Aussie Ark's breeding program at the Barrington Tops, just in time for the first snow fall of the year.

The devil joeys are reportedly strong and healthy despite the cold weather in the region, with Aussie Ark hoping to to beat last year's number of 69 joeys.

Aussie Ark President Tim Faulkner says the process of checking pouches for devil joeys is one of the most exciting parts of the year.

“Each year, pouch checking is such a special and thrilling process and this year being paired with the first snowfall for the season made it extra special," said Mr Faulkner.

"We are extremely lucky to be able to witness first-hand the circle of life of the Tasmanian devils and the growth of these joeys – now crucial members of their species' insurance population.”

Pouch checking doesn't just help the organisation estimate how many joeys they can expect in the 2020 breeding season - keepers can also assess the health of both mother devils and their young.

Mr Faulkner says staff cannot wait to watch the next generation of Tasmanian devils grow up.

"Our team is working tirelessly every day to make sure Tasmanian devils do not go extinct – extinction is not an option!" said Mr Faulkner.

"It is encouraging to see that every breeding season is bigger than the last and it’s looking positive to be another stellar year!”

Conversation organisation Aussie Ark currently have the most successful captive breeding program for the endangered animals on the Australian mainland.

All Images Credited to Aussie Ark

Keeper Kelly and Max

Tasmanian Devil Joeys

Image credit: Aussie Ark

 Tasmanian Devil Joeys

Tasmanian Devil Joey

Barrington Tops

Update: Emergency Beacon Sparks Search In The Barrington Tops

BY IAN CROUCH AND LAUREN FREEMANTLE

UPDATE:

Two men missing in the Barrington Tops have been found safe and well this morning.

It's believed the pair had been canyoning and abseiling in the national park when they were hit by torrential rain and storms at about 6.30 last night, activating an emergency beacon.

The Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter winched an Ambulance Paramedic down to the pair just before 10.00 am this morning.

They've both been winched out of a 160-foot canyon and flown to safety.

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EARLIER

Police say a personal locator beacon was activated by two men just after 6.30 last night, however poor weather has prevented a search from getting underway until this morning.

However, a vehicle belonging to the men was located on Williams Tops Road near Lagoon Pinch Road

It's understood the men, aged 48 and 46 had been canyoning and abseiling in the national park.

Police from the Port Stephens/Hunter District have been joined by personnel from Australian Search and Rescue and the Hunter's Westpac Rescue Helicopter in the search for the pair.