Across six sanctuaries in Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales, the greater bilby (Australia's alternative to the Easter bunny) population is holding strong at over 3,300 individuals. Protected by feral-proof fences that keep out predators like cats and foxes, these precious marsupials are slowly bouncing back from the brink of extinction.
One of the success stories this year comes from Yookamurra Wildlife Sanctuary in South Australia, where the Bilby population more than doubled from 95 last year to a record-breaking 210. According to Dr Alexandra Ross, a wildlife ecologist at the sanctuary, the increased number of animals during their week-long survey was immediately noticeable.
“The bilbies appear to be doing really well. They seemed in good health and size, with lots of sub-adults meaning breeding is going well, and we think we may have even seen a mum or two,” she stated in a press release.
At Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary in far western NSW, bilbies are thriving with a population of over 1,800 that has been steadily growing for five consecutive years – an incredible rebound following the 2018–19 drought.
Further north, in Pilliga State Conservation Area, ecologists were thrilled to find a male bilby weighing in at nearly two and a half kilograms, the biggest recorded in the area and a good indication of strong food supply and suitable conditions for their survival.
Over at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary in Central Australia, even the youngest bilbies are showing promise. Ecologists caught a tiny 65-gram juvenile digging burrows twice her size, while 88 per cent of the sanctuary’s feral-free area is now home to bilbies.
Unfortunately, Mt Gibson Sanctuary in Western Australia did see a dip in numbers due to a two-year drought. However, recent rains have sparked a fresh wave of juveniles and a hopeful sign of recovery. With continued support and dedication from the Australian Wildlife Conservancy team, these little diggers, who play a critical role in these ecosystems, could keep restoring the land and bringing life back to it for many Easters to come.
Image credits to Aliesha Dodson, Helenna Mihailou and Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
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