Wild Deserts Project Revives Extinct Native Species in Australia, Battling Feral Cats to Restore Ecosystem

In the harsh region where the dingo fence separates three states of Australia, a remarkable transformation is occurring in the far northwest corner of New South Wales. Native animals that had been locally extinct for over a century, such as bilbies, bandicoots, bettongs, and quolls, are making a comeback. This resurgence results from dedicated efforts by scientists working to counteract Australia’s alarming mammal extinction rate, the worst in the world.

The primary threat to these native species has been predation from feral cats and foxes. According to Dave Kelly from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, two-thirds of the mammal extinction losses can be attributed to these invasive predators. In Australia, feral cats kill over 1.5 billion native animals each year, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The initiative known as the Wild Deserts project aims to restore a significant portion of Australia’s arid zone to its pre-colonization state. Led by principal ecologist Rebecca West, the project has seen success since its inception in 2016, with native species starting to thrive in fenced enclosures designed to keep out feral predators. For instance, the golden bandicoot population has grown from 27 individuals to over 400 since their reintroduction in 2022.

Rebecca West and her team conduct regular monitoring of these reintroduced species, emphasizing the importance of checking on nocturnal animals in the early morning. The project also focuses on understanding how well these species adapt and breed after their release. Although some animals, like the stick-nest rat, have struggled to thrive, the overall success of the initiative shows promise for restoring the ecosystem.

To facilitate the reintroduction of various threatened species, scientists ensured that safe havens were free from invasive predators. The process began with bilbies, dubbed “ecosystem engineers” due to their ability to dig and aerate the soil, promoting plant growth and enhancing their surroundings. Following their release, additional species like burrowing bettongs and western quolls have been introduced, helping to recreate a balanced food web that once existed in the area.

While the project has seen many successes, managing feral cats remains a significant challenge. The team has created a “wild training zone,” where a small number of feral cats are allowed to roam, helping native species develop strategies to evade these predators. This innovative approach aims to prepare the reintroduced animals for survival while maintaining a controlled environment.

Efforts to control the feral cat population involve a range of strategies, including trapping, spotlight shooting, and the use of specialized devices like Felixer grooming traps, which deliver poison to feral cats without harming native wildlife. As the federal government plans to release a comprehensive Feral Cat Threat Abatement Plan, there is optimism about developing effective measures to manage these invasive species.

The Wild Deserts project is a ten-year partnership involving various organizations, and while its funding will conclude in 2026, the team is hopeful for continued efforts in native species reintroduction. They envision a future where these animals can thrive beyond fenced areas, ultimately restoring the vibrancy of the Australian ecosystem and ensuring coexistence with feral cats in a balanced manner.