Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary in the Spotlight!

SANCTUARY IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nocturnal survey reveals thriving endangered wildlife

Aussie Ark’s Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary has once again revealed the incredible diversity of endangered wildlife thriving within its feral-proof boundaries, following the organisation’s latest nocturnal ecological spotlighting survey.

Conducted across the 400-hectare sanctuary in the Barrington Tops, the survey recorded dozens of native species, including endangered Masked Owls, Greater Gliders and Rufous Bettongs, alongside Eastern Quolls, Long-Nosed Potoroos, Parma Wallabies and wombats.

The spotlighting surveys are conducted regularly throughout the year to help monitor animal populations, breeding success and overall ecosystem health within the Sanctuary. Using rough-terrain vehicles and spotlights, Aussie Ark conservation staff travel kilometres through the Sanctuary after dark, documenting sightings and observing animal behaviour.

Originally established in 2011 to protect an insurance population of Tasmanian Devils, Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary has since expanded to support 18 threatened species through breeding, rewilding and habitat recovery programs.

Today, many of these species roam freely within the Sanctuary, protected from key threats such as feral predators and habitat destruction.

Senior Conservation Ranger Nero Rochet said the latest survey delivered some unforgettable moments.

“The spotlighting survey was brilliant,” Mr Rochet said.

“We recorded 35 endangered Greater Gliders, foraging Rufous Bettongs and Long-Nosed Potoroos, a Brush-Tailed Possum, an Eastern Quoll, and even a close encounter with a wombat. It’s clear evidence of what’s possible when species are given a safe place to recover and thrive.”

One of the biggest highlights of the evening was a rare close encounter with an endangered Masked Owl. Using a recorded territorial call, the conservation team was able to briefly draw the owl in for observation.

The owl responded by landing nearby, vocalising and watching the team closely, providing a rare glimpse of one of Australia’s most elusive nocturnal birds.

Outside protected habitats like Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary, Masked Owls face increasing threats from habitat loss and secondary poisoning from rodent baiting programs.

For Aussie Ark, the survey results are another important reminder of the role large-scale feral-proof sanctuaries can play in addressing Australia’s ongoing extinction crisis.

Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary continues to provide a critical safe haven where endangered wildlife can breed, forage and behave naturally, largely free from the pressures driving declines elsewhere across the country.

Aussie Ark says ongoing support is essential to maintaining and expanding safe havens like Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary to ensure threatened species continue to recover into the future.