Conservation organisation Aussie Ark and sister organisation the Australian Reptile Park joined forces to announce a second female Broad-Toothed Rat called Naura has birthed two young and a second successful trapping season.
Making the announcement on World Conservation Day, July 28, Aussie Ark Managing Director Tim Faulkner said Naura was secured during this year’s trapping efforts.
She settled into captivity so seamlessly that she immediately mated and has now produced two babies.
In Autumn this year, Aussie Ark returned to save more Pygmy Wombats, surveying several swamps including a new one on the Gloucester Tops.
After two-and-a-half months of trapping, often in cold, wet conditions, more viable adults were secured, including new mum Naura.
They are now living a fully catered feral-free life in custom-made enclosures in the Conservation Ark facility in the grounds of the Australian Reptile Park in Somersby.
It’s the latest milestone for Aussie Ark’s world-first breeding and rewilding program, which began last year.
Aussie Ark is determined to save this species from extinction; a species it affectionately dubs the ‘Pygmy Wombat’.
The Broad-Toothed Rat is a native rodent which lives in high-altitude sub-alpine swamps, including those on the Barrington Tops, very close to Aussie Ark’s headquarters.
They are being decimated by feral predators, such as cats and foxes, while their ancient Gondwanan swamplands are being destroyed by feral pigs, horses, and deer.
Last year, Aussie Ark started the program by setting 3,000 traps in four swamps on the Barrington Tops, to secure six founding adults.
One of the 2024 founding females, Dot, made history when she gave birth to two young early this year.
She has since birthed another two.
And now Naura adds to the ‘Pygmy Wombat’ family, with her two new babies.
The births bring the insurance population to 18, consisting of 12 adults and six newborns.
Faulkner described the tally as “amazing for a species facing total annihilation”.
“Aussie Ark is determined to save the ‘Pygmy Wombat’,” he said.
“One day we hope to secure their habitat and release the young back into the wild.
“That’s full circle, action-based conservation, and we’re determined to do it.”
Aussie Ark is a world leader in breeding and rewilding some of Australia’s most endangered species.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Aussie Ark raises the necessary funds to continue its ambitious vision through donations, sponsorships and partnerships.
Aussie Ark is a registered environmental organisation and charitable institution under the Australian Charity and Not-for-Profit Commission.
Aussie Ark has deductible gift recipient status (DGR status) and is registered for GST purposes.
More information at www.aussieark.org.au
