Extinct Bandicoot Returns to Wild After 30 Years

The eastern barred bandicoot is making an incredible comeback after being declared extinct in mainland Australia in 1991.

By the late 1980s, only 60 of these small marsupials remained, clinging to survival in a Victoria landfill. Early attempts to bring them back failed because the remaining animals were too genetically similar, making their offspring weak and vulnerable.

Scientists found a brilliant solution. They crossbred mainland bandicoots with their Tasmanian cousins, two populations that had been separated for over 10,000 years. This world-first gene-mixing technique created a stronger, more genetically diverse population ready to thrive in the wild.

The program is led by the Odonata Foundation, Cesar Australia, and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team, with support from Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund. The $1.8 million donation is helping restore populations of several endangered Australian species over three years.

Dr. Andrew Weeks, director of Cesar Australia, put it perfectly. "We've built a fit, feisty bandicoot population with far greater genetic health and a much better chance of survival than their inbred predecessors."

The goal is ambitious but achievable: at least 500 bandicoots across five different locations throughout Australia. Spreading them out geographically means a single natural disaster can't wipe out the entire species.

These little diggers do more than just survive. Their burrowing behavior improves soil health and helps landscapes withstand both floods and droughts, making them ecosystem engineers in their own right.

The Ripple Effect

This genetic rescue program could change conservation worldwide. Michael Miller, Amazon VP, highlighted that the same methodology could help save endangered animals across the globe. What worked for bandicoots might work for countless other species teetering on the edge of extinction.

The project is also supporting other Australian species including the eastern quoll and southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby. Each success builds knowledge and confidence for tackling the next conservation challenge.

Thirty years ago, these bandicoots were considered gone forever from mainland Australia, but today they're digging burrows and building families in their native home once again.