A Century's Homecoming: Bettongs Leap Back into South Australia's Wilds

After more than a century of absence, a heartwarming chapter in Australian conservation has unfolded: the charming brush-tailed bettong has officially returned to South Australia! This incredible reintroduction marks a monumental win for wildlife and a beacon of hope for restoring the state's natural biodiversity.

For over 100 years, the unique bouncing gait and vital ecological role of these small, nocturnal marsupials were missing from South Australian landscapes.

Once widespread across much of southern Australia, brush-tailed bettongs, also known as Woylies, faced devastating population declines due to habitat loss and predation by introduced foxes and feral cats, leading to their extinction in the state.

However, thanks to the tireless dedication of conservationists, including the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and Zoos SA, a carefully planned reintroduction program has brought these "ecosystem engineers" back home.

A population of healthy bettongs, sourced from a robust colony at the Fowlers Gap Arid Zone Research Station in New South Wales, were recently translocated to a new, secure, predator-free haven at Mokota, within the Braemar Conservation Park.

These remarkable creatures are far more than just adorable faces; they play a critical role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Their incessant digging for fungi, roots, and invertebrates aerates the soil, improves water infiltration, and helps disperse seeds and fungal spores. This natural 'tilling' action is vital for plant growth and overall soil health, earning them the moniker of "ecosystem engineers." Their absence left a noticeable gap in the ecological fabric of the region.

The success of this reintroduction project is a testament to meticulous planning and collaborative efforts.

Before their arrival, extensive work was undertaken to establish a large, predator-proof fence around the Mokota site, ensuring the bettongs' safety from introduced predators. This secure environment provides them with the best possible chance to thrive and establish a self-sustaining population.

This rewilding initiative at Mokota is part of a broader, ambitious vision to restore locally extinct species across South Australia and the wider Australian landscape.

The return of the brush-tailed bettong symbolizes not just the recovery of a single species, but the revitalization of an entire ecosystem. Their re-establishment is expected to kickstart a cascade of positive ecological changes, benefiting numerous other native plants and animals.

As these bettongs explore their new-old home, digging, foraging, and reproducing, they represent a living legacy of conservation success.

Their journey from local extinction to triumphant return serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when science, dedication, and community passion converge to protect our precious natural heritage. The future for South Australian biodiversity looks brighter with every bounce of a bettong.