Habitat Loss: Rufous Bettongs have experienced significant habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and land clearing for grazing. The destruction of their natural grassland and woodland habitats, combined with fragmentation, has made it more difficult for Rufous Bettongs to find suitable shelter and foraging grounds. This loss of habitat has also led to isolated populations, hindering genetic diversity and the species’ ability to thrive.

Introduced Species: Introduced predators, particularly foxes and feral cats, are a major threat to Rufous Bettongs. These predators prey on the Bettongs, particularly juveniles and vulnerable individuals. Additionally, competition with non-native herbivores, such as rabbits and livestock, further reduces the availability of food and impacts the habitat that the Rufous Bettong relies on for survival. These threats have contributed to the rapid decline of the species.

Inappropriate Fire Regimes: Inappropriate fire regimes, including both frequent and uncontrolled wildfires, have had a detrimental impact on the Rufous Bettong’s habitat. Fire can destroy the dense undergrowth and ground vegetation that provides food and shelter for the species. Additionally, if fires occur during breeding or vulnerable periods, they can directly harm individuals and disrupt the ecological balance, making recovery for the Bettong population more difficult.

Other Threats: Rufous Bettongs also face threats from disease outbreaks, which can have significant impacts on small marsupial populations. Vehicle collisions are another risk, especially as the species moves between fragmented habitats. Additionally, climate change is expected to exacerbate many of these threats, altering the availability of food, water, and suitable shelter, while also increasing the frequency of extreme weather events that can further damage their habitat.

Establishing an Insurance Population: Aussie Ark has created a dedicated insurance population of Rufous Bettongs in a controlled, safe environment. This initiative is designed to safeguard the species from further decline in the wild and ensure a stable, healthy population for future reintroductions.

Reintroduction into Safe Wild Sanctuaries: Aussie Ark is also focused on reintroducing Rufous Bettongs into secure, predator-free sanctuaries where they can thrive without the threat of invasive predators. These sanctuaries offer a safe space for the species to establish a sustainable, wild population, contributing to their long-term survival and recovery.