The endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot has been reintroduced to The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary in Mount Martha. This initiative, part of The Briars Ark Program, aims to restore locally endangered and extinct species to the area. The reintroduction involved relocating eight bandicoots from Gippsland and Koo Wee Rup to enhance genetic diversity and adaptability.

The project is led by PhD student John Black, with support from the University of Melbourne and independent research organisation Cesar Australia. Funding has been provided by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action through the Melbourne Strategic Assessment programme.

Southern Brown Bandicoots play a crucial role as ecosystem engineers; their digging and foraging improve soil health and aid in spreading fungal spores essential for native trees. Researchers from Deakin University are also studying their impact on soil health, as well as fungal and plant communities.

The Briars team has worked diligently over the years to prepare the sanctuary for the bandicoots’ return, ensuring the area is free from rabbits and foxes. This reintroduction marks the second threatened species returned under The Briars Ark Program, following the critically endangered Mount Martha Bundy eucalypt.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr Anthony Marsh, praised the efforts, stating, “Having bandicoots back on the Peninsula is fantastic.”

The success of this project not only bolsters the local ecosystem but also contributes to the broader conservation of the species across Victoria.The University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia will continue to monitor the genetic diversity of The Briars’ bandicoot population over subsequent generations, with the potential for future relocations to other sites to enhance genetic diversity statewide.

This collaborative effort exemplifies the positive impact of dedicated conservation work in reviving endangered species and restoring ecological balance.