Threatened marsupials Banded Hare-wallabys translocated to Dryandra

10/9/99
One of Western Australia's most threatened marsupials, the Banded Hare-wallaby is making a comeback with the release of a further 15 animals in a feral-predator proof enclosure at Dryandra in the Wheatbelt.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said today that the release was the second translocation of the species to Dryandra and the third to mainland WA.
Before these translocations, the species has not been recorded on the mainland since 1906.
She said the translocation marked another significant achievement under the Department of Conservation and Land Management's wildlife recovery program Western Shield, which aims to bring native animals back from the brink of extinction by controlling the threat of introduced predators the fox and feral cat.
"The Banded Hare-wallaby was once found in the southern Wheatbelt and south-west areas of WA but is now only found on predator-free Bernier and Dorre Islands in Shark Bay," Mrs Edwardes said.
"This reintroduction follows the translocation of 24 Banded Hare-wallabies to CALM's captive breeding program at Peron Peninsula in Shark Bay last year.
"To complement this and pave the way for this week's translocation, five animals were released into a 10-hectare feral predator proof enclosure at Dryandra in March last year.
"This initial translocation enabled CALM staff to develop management and monitoring techniques specifically for this species, before transferring a large group."
Mrs Edwardes said 15 Banded Hare-wallabies had been trapped at Dorre Island by CALM staff to add to the five released at Dryandra last year.

"The 10 females and five males will be radio collared to enable extensive post-release monitoring," she said.
"The release of the Banded Hare-wallabies and their survival and ability to breed in this wild natural environment will lay the groundwork for further reintroductions of the species to other parts of the State."
The Banded Hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus) was one of the first Australian mammals ever described by the Europeans.
It has dark grey, beautiful soft fur, which is banded on the rump - the only kangaroo to have this feature. The head and body averages 43cm long, with a tail about 37cm long. It has tiny front paws and a rounded posture.

Mrs Edwardes said the State Government was committed to restoring WA's native wildlife populations.
"Through Western Shield, CALM is working to ensure WA's diverse and unique native wildlife is conserved for future generations."

Media contact: Ministerial - Kaye Hopkins on 9421 7777
CALM - Dr Syd Shea on 9442 0325