Burrowing bettong  (Bettongia lesueur)

This Australian species has been completely lost from the mainland, though in 1855-56 they were reported as being abundant. They were considered as agricultural pests by farmers who settled in Australia in the 19th century, and were shot and poisoned in their hundreds (2). Introduced feral animals such as foxes are thought to have kept their numbers low, as has competition from other introduced species such as rabbits, cattle and black rats (Rattus rattus) (4). Increased grazing and changes to fire regimes have also significantly reduced vegetation cover for this species (5).

The four islands on which this species occurs have been declared as nature reserves (5). Dirk Hartog Island and the Gibson Desert Nature reserve have also been recommended as sites for translocation of populations following the success on Faure island (5) (7). In addition, research is underway to identify the causes of this species’ decline so that conservation practices are well informed (5). The Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) is responsible for the conservation of this species and it is hoped that these new efforts will enable this unique species to recover (5).