ENDANGERED BROAD-TOOTHED RAT WORLD-FIRST INSURANCE POPULATION GROWS!

Aussie Ark & sister organisation the Australian Reptile Park announce second endangered Broad-Toothed Rat, Naura, gives birth

Happy World Conservation Day!

Today, conservation organisation Aussie Ark and sister organisation the Australian Reptile Park join forces to announce a second female Broad-Toothed Rat called Naura has birthed two young … and a second successful trapping season!

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. 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. 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, NSW.

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 6 newborns. Managing Director Tim Faulkner describes this tally as “amazing for a species facing total annihilation”.

“Aussie Ark is determined to save the ‘Pygmy Wombat’,” Mr Faulkner 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.”

Mr Faulkner appeals to the public to celebrate World Conservation Day by helping conserve the Broad-Toothed Rat. Please donate now at aussieark.org.au.