Saving eastern barred bandicoots on Phillip Island
The mainland subspecies of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (EBB) is listed in Victoria as ‘Extinct in the Wild’, and their decline is attributed to their susceptibility to predation by foxes and to habitat loss. In August 2015 a trial introduction of EBBs began on Churchill Island, adjacent to Phillip Island, and demonstrated that EBBs can establish in island environments and that they have positive impacts on island ecosystems, particularly the soil conditions. This trial enabled the release of EBBs to Phillip Island in October 2017. This release represents the best opportunity to secure and down list this taxon. Bringing the mainland eastern barred bandicoot back to the wild would rekindle the ecological function of one of Australia’s small digging mammals, benefitting the landscape of Phillip Island, and demonstrate what is possible on islands where the threat of invasive predators can be eliminated. This action is captured in the Biodiversity 2037 and works in partnership with DELWP to achieve biodiversity outcomes.
