Woylies re-introduced into Avon Valley National Park

25/10/02
Another milestone has been reached in efforts to restore nature's balance in the Avon Valley.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards today announced the translocation of 40 woylies into Avon Valley National Park as part of the State Government's Western Shield wildlife recovery program.
The release of the woylies means that all species of medium-sized mammal formerly found in the national park have now been reintroduced, with the exception of the western ringtail possum.
"The woylies have joined black-flanked rock-wallaby, tammar wallaby and quenda or southern brown bandicoot previously released into their former home ranges by the Department of Conservation and Land Management," Dr Edwards said.
"Through this program, in the past 22 months the department has provided the opportunity for these native mammals to again colonise the length of the Avon Valley.
"They disappeared from the valley in the early part of last century, roughly coinciding with the arrival of foxes."
Some of these species have also been reintroduced to Walyunga National Park and the privately-run Paruna and Karakamia sanctuaries of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

"The woylies just released are, in fact, the first provided by the Conservancy for Western Shield from a population successfully established within their Karakamia Sanctuary at Chidlow, having been translocated from Dryandra Woodland in the Wheatbelt," the Minister said.
"It is the latest example of how the department and a conservation partner - in this case a private organisation - join forces to restore our natural heritage."
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy has 10 wildlife sanctuaries around Australia covering more than 575,000ha. Karakamia Sanctuary, which contains jarrah and marri forest, is home to several mammals including numbats, quenda, western ringtail possums and tammar wallabies.
"Much of Western Shield's success in bringing native wildlife back from the brink of extinction is due to support from the community and private sector," Dr Edwards said.
"Since Western Shield started in 1996, the department has achieved major milestones in native wildlife conservation.
"For example, three native mammal species - the woylie, quenda and tammar wallaby - have been removed from the threatened species list and are now categorised as conservation dependent under World Conservation Union (IUCN) guidelines.
"This is understood to be an achievement unparalleled anywhere."
Western Shield involves controlling foxes and feral cats through baiting around 3.5 million hectares of conservation lands with a toxin that occurs naturally in the 'poison peas' (Gastrolobium species).
Minister's office: 9220 5050