Potoroos to be Released in the Barrington Tops

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Thirty long-nosed Potoroos are set to be released into a Barrington wildlife sanctuary this week. 

One of the lesser-known Australian marsupial species, the Potoroo is one of the smallest and oldest relatives of the kangaroo, and has remained relatively unchanged for around 10 million years. 

Since opening their Hunter sanctuary in 2020, Aussie Ark have worked to enclose 400 hectares of native habitat, removing feral predators to provide a safe refuge for the animals. 

Aussie Ark Curator Kelly Davis, said the organisation is committed to reviving the species in the Hunter. 

"Since European settlement, foxes and cats have been a massive issue for them, causing a real decline in their numbers. So, when we made the transition to Aussie Ark, they were one of the species we wanted to bring onboard," Ms Davis said. 

"They were found in the Barrington Tops historically and you still get the odd one or two that's hanging on, but they've had a really big population decline and they're a really important species."

 
"Having an insurance population of Potoroos that we've built up over the last five years, the idea behind that is that we are returning those animals to where they have been lost," she said. 

Referred to by the team as "ecosystem engineers", it's hoped the Potoroo will also have a positive impact on Barrington's environment. 

"They're really vital. They're actually fungivores, so they're eating mushrooms and other fungus and basically in doing that, they're turning over the soil and spreading those fungal spores, which in turn, helps to break down the leaf litter and reduces the fuel in the bush," Ms Davis said. 

"We're talking about an animal that really only gets to about a kilo, and in the numbers that they should have and have historically had, they do play a role in reducing the severity of bushfires." 

The critters are expected to be released in the coming days, following final health checks. 

Ms Davis said "It's crazy to think something so small has such a big impact."

Image: Aussie Ark

First Baby Quolls Born in the Barrington Tops in 60 Years

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The birth of 13 Eastern quoll joeys in the Barrington Tops - the first born in the region in 60 years - has given wildlife restoration efforts new hope in bringing the endangered species back from the brink.

A population of 28 quolls was initially reintroduced to the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary by Aussie Ark in 2020.

The nocturnal marsupials went extinct in the wild across Australia in 1963 because of invasive predators such as foxes and feral cats.

More than 100 joeys have been born as part of Aussie Ark's breeding program across the country.

Aussie Ark Ranger Max Jackson says the quolls are thriving in the wild and have even been spotting sunbaking.

“The birth of these lucky 13 joeys, proves that the Eastern quolls are healthy enough to raise young in the wild, without any intervention from us, which is our ultimate goal," Mr Jackson said.

"Hopefully, this is the beginning of a robust and thriving population of Eastern quolls in the Barrington Tops.”

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