Phone-in on bandicoot habitation

4/3/93

Perth residents are being asked to take part in a telephone poll with a difference this weekend. 

Instead of political opinions or market research, the topic will be the whereabouts of a small, brown-grey marsupial. 

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said the phone-in was an important part of a census of one Perth's last native mammals, the southern brown bandicoot. 

"The Department of Conservation and Land Management wants to find out how many bandicoots still live in the metropolitan area and where the main populations are," Mr Minson said. 

"This is essential for the conservation of the most important populations and habitats." 

Southern brown bandicoots, or quendas, were once widespread across the south-west of the State, but are now restricted to the forest and the coastal strip from Yanchep to Cape Le Grand, near Esperance. 

"Bandicoots live in thick vegetation and reproduce at such a high rate that they cope with predators - such as cats and foxes - better than many other native animals," Mr Minson said. 

"Despite this, they have declined in numbers and were placed on the endangered list in recent years." 

A southern brown bandicoot is a rabbit sized, brown-grey animal with stiff, almost spiny fur, a pointy nose and a short lightly furred tail. 

Although mainly active at night, they are often seen in late afternoon feeding in open land or scurrying into nearby dense vegetation. 

Mr Minson said people with any information about bandicoots in the wider metropolitan area (telephone area code 09) are asked to call CALM on 405 5100 between 9 am and 5 pm this weekend.

Casey Cahill: 222 9595