Floor-breaking return of native rodents to Dirk Hartog Island

As part of the groundbreaking Return to 1616 project, 80 endangered Shark Bay mice and 58 larger stick nest rats were successfully released on Dirk Hartog Island.

These are the fifth and sixth translocations of mammals to Dirk Hartog Island carried out by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) as part of the island’s ecological restoration.

Larger rod-nested rats were previously widespread in southern and western parts of Australia, but have since become extinct on mainland Australia.

Albany Regional Prison staff and prisoners built 66 bespoke boxes for the operation to protect the larger stick nest rats as they traveled to their new homes by otters, boats and helicopters.

The boxes were made of structural layer, pine and stainless steel mesh. For some of the prisoners, the exercise was part of their training and certificate II in furniture construction.

The Shark Bay mouse was once widespread in the southern and western parts of Australia, but now populations only exist on islands off the central west and northwest coasts.

The mice came from North West Island. Some mice were fitted with radio transmitters for ongoing monitoring by DBCA scientists prior to their release.

Both the Shark Bay Mice and the Great Rodnestrats were once the original fauna of Dirk Hartog Island, and the successful reintroduction of this species is an important milestone for the Return to 1616 project.

Since the beginning of the wildlife reconstruction phase from Return to 1616, the project has seen the relocation of Red Hare Wallabies, Banded Hare Wallabies, Shark Bay Bandicoots and Dibblers.

For more information on the Return to 1616 project, visit https://www.sharkbay.org/restoration/

Environment Secretary Amber-Jade Sanderson stated:

“This Shark Bay release is a wonderful achievement and a significant milestone in the innovative Return to 1616 ecological restoration project.

“This project is certainly an ambitious one, but its success ensures that our native wildlife has a safe haven away from feral cats and goats.

“The McGowan government is committed to preserving the diverse wildlife of WA and I am excited to celebrate these significant accomplishments for the Return to 1616 project.”

As Secretary of State for Correction Services Bill Johnston stated:

“This is not the first time prisoners in the Cabinet Shop of Albany Regional Prison have been making equipment for the DBCA’s conservation work.

“Contributing to the protection of endangered animal species is a useful component for the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into our care.

“It is a practical example of how collaboration between prisons and those involved in key conservation efforts can lead to positive and cost-effective results.”

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