This animal has an unusual way to survive. Is on the verge of extinction

Like his larger relatives, Kangoszczurnik has a bag in which he wears his young.

These animals once lived in over 60% of Australia’s territory. However, European colonization brought with it predatory species, such as feral cats and foxes, as well as mass destruction of native grassy and forest habitats. Currently, the population has dropped to only 1% of its original size. Scientists decided to restore almost extinct species to the world.

KANGULOSZCZCZURNIK BRIGHOOGONONE In addition to the friendly appearance, it is characterized by a lack of inhibition before abandoning young people to devour. In the face of the threat of predators, he can abandon his offspring to distract the attacker and increase his own chances of survival.

Although the strategy may seem raw, it is crucial for the survival of this species, which until recently was considered extinct on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia.

Kangarosczurnik. Almost extinct animal

In the years 1999–2010 the population of brush -hut of brush -hut fell by 90%, which some researchers attribute to the spread of blood parasites and other factors. Currently, this species occurs only on a few islands and in isolated areas of southwestern Australia, which is only 1% of its original range.

Markna Banggara project: Hope for the revival

To counteract the further decline in the numbers of brushwoods, the project was initiated Miserable Banggarapreviously known as the “Great Ark of the South”.

“Our mission is to restore some native species that have been lost in our landscape since European colonization,” says Derek Sandow, project manager Miserable Banggara.

The project was launched in 2019 by the North Landscape Board and Yorke. The name “Markna Banggara” was given in honor of the native inhabitants of the Narungga region, who are heavily involved in this initiative.

As part of the project, a 25-kilometer fence controlling predators in the narrow part of the Yorke Peninsula was erected, creating a safe haven with an area of ​​150,000 hectares for the first restored species: brushwormknown as Yalgiri for the Narungga people.

Reintroduction and protection of the species

In the years 2021–2023, the team introduced almost 200 brushwoods to a protected area. Acquiring these individuals from various other populations in Western Australia helped “increase the genetic pool” – says Sandow. Increasing genetic diversity is crucial for the future of this species.

Kangarosczurniki brush -hut play an important role in the ecosystem as “Little Nature Gardens”. They feed on tubers, seeds and insects, but their main source of food are mushrooms growing underground. To find them, they must dig, which leads to soil aeration, improvement of water filtration and support for seedling.

Single Yalgiri It can process 2 to 6 tons of soil a year, which benefits other animals depending on this ecosystem.

First successes and future plans

The results of the reintroduction program so far are promising. Almost 40% of individuals captured in a recent monitoring survey were originally introduced to this area, and 22 out of 26 females wore young in bags. This means that “they reproduce and are healthy” – emphasizes Sandow.

In the future, the team plans to restore more locally extinct species in the region, including other bagbacks, such as southern brown Bandicoot, Rudoogoniasty and Western Quoll. Sandow points out that the improvement of ecosystem by reintroducing species and control of predators can also have a positive impact on industries such as tourism, bringing benefits to local companies and agriculture.

Project success Miserable Banggara It is based on close cooperation with the local community, including the native inhabitants of Narungga, farmers, entrepreneurs as well as non -governmental and government organizations. Joint actions are not only aimed at protecting and rebuilding biodiversity, but also to strengthen the local economy and promote sustainable development of the region.