Project wrap-upBefore we even look at building a population of these endangered species,
it is vital we ascertain numbers on the Island.
Once the survey is complete, we are able to use these numbers as our baseline.
Finding the endangered Kangaroo Island Dunnarts
The Project
The Kangaroo Island Dunnart (Sminthopsis aitkeni) is a flagship species on the island and is one of the 20 mammal species identified for priority action in the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Strategy.
The Kangaroo Island Dunnart is only known from a total of 35 records, all of which have been found within Flinders Chase National Park and the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area.
These surveys will help gain a better understanding of the species distribution and population, help with planning future conservation activities, and protect the Dunnart and its habitat for the long term.
Kangaroo Island Dunnart surveys will initially include the use of wildlife cameras set in habitat appropriate locations, followed by pitfall and Elliot traps once the species is detected.
Threats to the Kangaroo Island Dunnart’s survival include predation by feral cats, inappropriate fire regimes, impacts of Phytophthora cinnamomi, and habitat loss and fragmentation.
This project will also assist with feral cat control activities, including cage trapping, detector dog use and spot light shooting to reduce feral cat numbers within key Dunnart habitat.
UPDATES
- 7 MAY 2018; Kangaroo Island Dunnart found! Read more: KI Dunnart article
- 13 MARCH 2018; Finding the elusive KI Dunnart. Read more: Media Release
- 26 SEPTEMBER 2018; Kangaroo Island Dunnarts continue to be sighted. Read more: Project update
- 16 MAY 2019; A successful wrap-up for the Kangaroo Island Dunnart? Read more: Project wrap-up
Photo credit: Jody Gates
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