Hunter Local Land Services (HLLS) has been working with conservation organisation Aussie Ark to ensure the important ecological site at Barrington Tops remains free of pest animals.
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The HLLS biosecurity team undertook pest animal management training with Aussie Ark staff to assist them in protecting the area from invasive predators such as foxes and cats along with other harmful pest species such as pigs.
The HLLS team eradicated the last known fox to exist within a sanctuary onsite, allowing animals to now be released into the area and thrive without fear.
Aussie Ark manager Will Hansen said the work has further secured the breeding program.
"This is a conservation project of national significance, and thanks to the assistance of Hunter Local Land Services we have been able to further enhance our program, and provide an even safer home for our breeding populations for the animals in our care," Mr Hansen said.
"The professionalism, safe practices and around the clock responsiveness of the biosecurity officers has helped to control pests within and on the boundaries of the Ark.
"As a small, not for profit organisation, being able to utilise these services and work together to eradicate pest animals from this important habitat is of huge benefit to us and the animals we are working hard to save."
While there may be just a few pests being targeted in the latest program, HLLS biosecurity team leader Luke Booth said the results are invaluable.
"This is a very important venture being undertaken at the Barrington Tops - in fact it may well be the key for these threatened species to survive, so even just one fox not controlled within enclosures could have had dramatic effects," Mr Booth said.
"It was very encouraging to see our staff succeed and that we could actively play a positive role in this significant conservation project.
"We will continue to work closely with Aussie Ark to ensure this site remains protected and well supported to undertake this significant breeding program."
About Aussie Ark
Aussie Ark staff remain committed to keep threatened native wildlife free from unnatural pressures experienced in the wild.
The facility is the largest of its type in mainland Australia and is home to native animals such as the Eastern quoll, long-nosed potoroo, Rufous bettong, Parma wallaby, Tasmanian devil and brush-tailed rock-wallaby.
Its mission is:
- To protect Australia's threatened species with robust insurance populations
- To create healthy ecosystems within Aussie Ark Sanctuaries and through rewilding
- To have long-term tangible outcomes for the species in our care