Mulgaras (tiny carnivorous marsupials) return to island home

August 20, 2023 12:18 AM

Mulgaras (tiny carnivorous marsupials) return to island home. Mulgaras were one of 11 native animals wiped out on Dirk Hartog Island, off Western Australia, after Europeans arrived. Now the little marsupials are making a comeback, with the help of scientists and Indigenous rangers.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (7 comments total)

I love this story! Lots of governments snd academics throw around the words "decolonisation," "reconciliation" etc... This seems like a genuine example of that. Hopefully that model of cross pollination of knowledge between scientists and Indigenous elders is growing arouns the world.
Here's another example from a Canadian project:
https://arramatproject.org/
posted by winterportage at 3:28 AM on August 20, 2023 [7 favorites]

They look quite full of sass for small animals. I was also intrigued by the burrowing bettongs mentioned in the article, who also seem to be thriving on the “deferalized” islands.
posted by GenjiandProust at 5:10 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

They are said to suck out the brains of their prey! 🤟
posted by winterportage at 6:33 AM on August 20, 2023 [6 favorites]

Few people know that this is actually what Olivia Rodrigo is singing about in "Vampire." 🧛‍♀️
posted by johnxlibris at 10:15 AM on August 20, 2023

awwww such cute little killers!
posted by supermedusa at 11:15 AM on August 20, 2023 [2 favorites]

Chapeau, Australia. We need more of this everywhere.
posted by senor biggles at 1:26 PM on August 20, 2023

That is not a happy little vampire rodent in the picture.

Do NOT want pet.
posted by BlueHorse at 4:35 PM on August 20, 2023