Now that the bilby genome has been mapped, it is being used to manage the bilby metapopulation in zoos, fenced sanctuaries and islands.
“By selecting individuals for translocation and release we maximise their genetic diversity, thus improving the population’s ability to adapt to a changing world.” Professor Carolyn Hogg.
The Queensland government has gifted the Northern Territory government with 35 endangered bilbies bred at Currawinya National Park by Save the Bilby Fund, south of Cunnamulla. It’s one of the largest-ever translocations of bilbies – Australia’s last surviving arid bandicoot species. Their new home will be Newhaven Reserve, west of Alice Springs – the world’s largest fenced area for threatened species. Over two days the bilbies are trapped in Currawinya, checked by vets and then flown to Hungerford (population 11!) to begin their safe new lives in the Northern Territory.
Story by Danielle Lancaster and Craig Fitzsimmons. ABC Australia