Bandicoots thriving on fox-free island after close call with extinction

March 10, 2024 7:29 PM

Docile, curious bandicoots thriving on fox-free island after close call with extinction. The eastern barred bandicoot was formerly extinct in the wild on the Australian mainland, but an increase in numbers on Phillip Island is giving conservationists cause to celebrate.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (5 comments total)

So there was, as it were, a bandicoot crash?
posted by edselford at 7:55 PM on March 10 [6 favorites]

... but also a... bandicoot bounce...?
posted by slater at 9:30 PM on March 10 [1 favorite]

I had no idea what a bandicoot actually looked like, they're adorable! And apparently docile, I want to pet one so bad. Great to hear about a species saved from extinction, hope they thrive on their new fox-free island.
posted by drinkyclown at 9:55 PM on March 10

Oh like Phillip Island needed any more adorable animals, come on!

(I'm kidding, of course. This is awesome. But for those who haven't been there, Phillip Island is also home to a bunch of Koalas, and perhaps more notably one of the largest colonies of Little Blue (or "Fairy") Penguins.)
posted by Navelgazer at 4:37 AM on March 11 [1 favorite]

I would like to acknowledge that Phillip Island is the settlers name for this place. For much much longer the Yalluk Bulluk tribe of the Bunurong People from the Kulin Nation have called this place Millowl. Today the Bunurong People are recognised as the Traditional Owners of Millowl.
posted by neonamber at 5:01 AM on March 11 [8 favorites]