The fight to save one of Australia's most endangered native animals from extinction
The once ubiquitous eastern barred bandicoot, Perameles gunnii, is now pushed to the brink, listed as critically endangered with around 1,200 animals left on the Australian mainland, most in captivity. Trial releases are underway on several fox-free Victorian islands, and the species has also survived in Tasmania.
Around 80 per cent of the mainland’s surviving population of eastern barred bandicoots live at Mt Rothwell, north of the You Yangs mountain range, near the town of Little River.
“Tiverton is a real example of where we can go next. It can be a great role model for landowners across the country.”
The property is co-owned by Mr Sharp and local farmer Harry Youngman. They are raising funds from private investors to replicate the model across the state.
Under the watch of Maremma sheepdogs, it is hoped the bandicoots and other native animals like quolls will live in harmony with Merino sheep.
"The bandicoots will thrive here because there are no predators and the swales [undulating grassy mounds] are exactly the habitat they like," Mr Youngman said.
"If I was a bandicoot, I'd be very happy being released at Tiverton."
