A calamity of 80 Shark Bay mice and 58 larger stock nest rats were relocated to Dirk Hartog Island by WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
The release of the native rodents Dirk Hartog Island as part of the ecological restoration of Western Australia Back to the 1616 projectaiming to revive the animals that were once native to the island.
A statement by WA Environment Secretary Amber-Jade Sanderson said the wildlife reconstruction project has now reintroduced reddish hare wallabies, banded hare wallabies, Shark Bay bandicoots and dibblers in addition to rodents.
“This project is certainly an ambitious one, but its success ensures that our native wildlife has a safe sanctuary free of feral cats and goats,” said Sanderson.
“The [state] The government is committed to preserving the diverse wildlife of WA and I am delighted to celebrate these significant accomplishments for the Return to 1616 project. “
Larger stock nests used to be widespread in the southern and western parts of Australia, but have now become extinct on the mainland.
In the case of the Shark Bay mouse, which was previously also common in the south and west of the country, there are still a handful of populations on islands off the central west and north-west coasts.
The 66 custom boxes used to transport and release the rodents were built by staff and prisoners at Albany Regional Prison. For some of the prisoners, participation in the project included training and a Certificate II in furniture construction.
Attorney General Bill Johnson said the prison’s cabinet workshop previously made custom-made cabinets and gadgets for the department’s conservation spirit.
“Contributing to the protection of endangered species is an important building block for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into our care,” said Johnson.
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“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.”
“Mmmh, lunch.” (Fiona / Adobe)
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