EASTERN BARRED BANDICOOT Perameles Gunnii Mainland Subspecies Endangered

Zoos Victoria’s Priority Species EASTERN BARRED BANDICOOT Perameles gunnii mainland subspecies Endangered

The Eastern Barred Bandicoot wouldn’t be here without us. In 1988 it was estimated that the mainland subspecies had dwindled down to 200 animals living in Hamilton in western Victoria. In 1991 Zoos Victoria embarked on its commitment to the Eastern Barred Bandicoot and has bred over 690 since. Zoos Victoria is committed to Fighting Extinction We are focused on working with partners to secure the survival of our priority species before it is too late.

Eastern Barred Bandicoots (EBB) were once widespread across the grasslands and grassy woodlands of western Victoria. These animals are now listed as extinct in the wild. Zoos Victoria has coordinated the Eastern Barred Bandicoot captive breeding program since 1991. Working closely with the Recovery Team, we also work to control introduced predators and manage habitat for reintroduction.

KEY PROGRAM OBJECTIVES THE SPECIES •• Maintain a captive insurance The Eastern Barred Bandicoot is a small population managed to minimise loss marsupial endemic to south-eastern Australia. How can I help? of genetic diversity. Since European settlement, this species has •• Establish and enhance community support undergone widespread and catastrophic decline We are in a unique position for the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. in range and abundance on the mainland due to to secure this species for fox predation and habitat loss. •• Achieve a population target of at least future generations, but we 2,500 individuals in Victoria. Eastern Barred Bandicoots have one of the shortest gestation periods of any mammal, at •• Release the EBB onto Victoria’s largest still need all the support we just 12.5 days. Females give birth to 1-4 young islands where the habitat has been that remain in the backwards-facing pouch for can get. You can support assessed as suitable. approximately 55 days. At three months for our Wildlife Conservation •• Trial the suitability of Maremma Guardian females and four months for males they are Dogs for the protection of Eastern Barred sexually mature. Master Plan 2019-2024 by Bandicoots on private land. Their small population size means loss of donating at: PROGRAM OUTCOMES genetic diversity is another potential threat to the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, making reintroduction zoo.org.au/donate Since 1991, Zoos Victoria has: to the wild all the more urgent. •• Bred over 690 Eastern Barred Bandicoots. •• Released captive bred animals to establish THE PLAN and supplement populations at fox-free The following critical next steps will enable Zoos PROGRAM PARTNERS sites across Victoria. Victoria, along with our partners to move forward Conservation Volunteers Australia knowing that we are doing everything we can to •• Helped establish a free-ranging population conservationvolunteers.com.au at Woodlands Historic Park with Parks prevent the extinction of this species: Department of Environment, Victoria and Conservation Volunteers Establish and maintain Land, Water and Planning Australia in 2012. a population of EBBs on $270,000 delwp.vic.gov.au •• Taken part in a successful trial release French Island. on French Island. Island releases may be Assist the eradication of feral Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre $460,000 a key to species recovery. cats from French Island. mtrothwell.com.au •• Secured $600,000 to fence private land Support the genetic health of National Trust of Australia $20,000 p.a at Tiverton Station, western Victoria with EBB populations. nationaltrust.org.au our partners at Mt Rothwell and Tiverton Support EBB fenced reserves Parks Victoria Property Partnering. $60,000 p.a to maintain fox-free status. parkweb.vic.gov.au •• Undertaken research to improve individual Maintain Zoos Victoria’s captive Phillip Island Nature Parks fitness in the captive-breeding program $850,000 insurance populations. penguins.org.au through mate choice trials. Employ an EBB project officer •• Established a free ranging population on Tiverton Property Partnering to coordinate recovery efforts $91,000 p.a Churchill Island with Phillip Island Nature across Victoria. Parks in 2015 and Phillip Island in 2017. Engage French Island community •• Commenced the trial use of sheep guardian $90,000 dogs to support unfenced populations of where EBBs may be released. bandicoots. Activations at our zoos and online •• Released EBBs with French Island that aim to increase community community onto French Island in care and knowledge of the $10,000 October 2019. species and generate support for the conservation projects. Total cost over five years $2,535,000

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