SPECIES: Bettongia gaimardi — Eastern Bettong
CLASSIFICATION: Extinct (mainland Australia)
The Eastern Bettong is one of the unlucky native marsupials, now extinct on the mainland of Australia since the 1920s. It's a species that has very nearly disappeared from our planet. However, on Tasmania, the Eastern Bettong can still be found, most likely due to the absence of foxes. The importance of the Eastern Bettong and the riple effect of its absence from the ecosystem may not yet be realised. The Eastern Bettong is quite an incredible ecological engineer. Simply by scratching and foraging, these actions have the effect of improving water reterntion in the soil, creating inter-tussock spaces and increasing composting. Isn't nature a marvel.
FAME's latest project, Bringing back the Eastern Bettong will partner with Orana Safe Haven to reintroduce the species back into Victoria and NSW. For more info, visit the project page.