Before they got decimated from mainland Australia, these little predators were very useful to farmers as they used to eat “agricultural pests, such as rats, mice and insects,” WWF explained.
To restore some balance in the ecosystem of Southeast Australia now that the fox population is under control, 20 Eastern quoll joeys (11 males and 9 females) were successfully reintroduced from Tasmanian sanctuaries devils@cradle and Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary by WWF Australia and Rewilding Australia to Booderee National Park in New South Wales on March 13th.
Have a look at the first Eastern quolls returning to the wild on the Australian mainland in 50 years:
The Eastern quolls will be tracked and closely monitored to make sure they are healthy and breeding. If all goes well during the first year, 40 more quolls will follow in 2019 and another 40 in 2020.
WWF reports that two other species, long-nosed potoroos and southern brown bandicoots (two other cutie patooties), were successfully reintroduced in the same park in the past two years. We hope that the Eastern quolls follow their steps.
If you want to help Eastern quolls thrive in their natural habitat, visit the WWF website. These adorable furballs and the Australian ecosystem could sure use a hand. 