Woylie Conservation Research Project
Perth Zoo is part of the Woylie Conservation Research Project to help identify the causes behind the decline of the Woylie (Brush-tailed Bettong) in the south-west of Western Australia.
In 1996, the Woylie became the first Australian mammal to come off the threatened species list when its population reached a peak of around 40,000 individuals.
Today, however, the Woylie is once again facing extinction as its population has decreased to less than a fifth of its former size. In January 2008, the Woylie was re-listed as endangered and has now been upgraded to a critically endangered species.
The Department of Environment and Conservation is carrying out studies on remaining Woylie populations across the country with a focus on the Upper Warren region in south-west Western Australia and Dryandra Nature Reserve to try to find out why the populations have declined and what can be done to reverse the trend.
A recent review suggested that predation is a major factor, however, there is concern and speculation that a disease is predisposing Woylies to predation by making weaker and more vulnerable.
Collaborative research on the disease theory is being undertaken by Perth Zoo, the Department of Environment and Conservation and Murdoch University. Some of the diseases investigated so far include Toxoplasma (a well known parasite in cats that has caused problems in native marsupials such as Eastern Barred Bandicoots), blood parasites and internal parasites.
Since Perth Zoo's involvement in the Woylie Conservation Research Project began in 2006, its veterinarians have played an integral role in establishing the disease investigation process including development of protocols and strategic plans, organising and implementing species studies, and coordinating various aspects of the disease investigation. Perth Zoo also cares for and treats sick or injured Woylies found at the study sites.
The Department of Environment and Conservation is coordinating the overall investigation as well as providing support for disease investigations, investigating the effects of fox and feral cat predation, researching the diet of Woylies in the wild and continuing to monitor population dynamics at several key sites.
On 20 June 2009, the Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher, announced $600,000 in funding from the State Government for Woylie conservation efforts. This includes $500,000 for the construction of a 400ha predator-free enclosure in Perup Nature Reserve in the State's south-west and $100,000 to support the further recovery of woylies, including an investigation into potential wildlife health issues related to the species’ decline and establishing a woylie captive breeding program at Perth Zoo. More information can be found in the media release.
Other participating organisations include Murdoch University, Australian Wildlife Conservancy, South West Catchment Council, Southern Forests Landcare, State Emergency Service volunteers, other community interest groups and individuals.
If you see a Woylie in the wild, please make a note of its location and contact DEC Conservation Officer Kellie Mantle on kellie.mantle@dec.wa.gov.au or (08) 9334 0579. Sightings help determine the current distribution of Woylies. Any Woylies found dead may be collected and handed in to your nearest DEC Office or to the Western Australian Museum.
For more information refer to:
Woylies can be seen at Perth Zoo in the Nocturnal House.