Eastern Bettong to get more protection


Released 31/08/2018

The future of the ACT’s beloved Eastern Bettongs is even more secure following its listing on the ACT’s Threatened Native Species List.

Eastern Bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi)were once very common around Canberra but became extinct on mainland Australia almost 100 years ago following the introduction of foxes and increased land clearing and livestock grazing activities.

The ACT Government brought 60 Eastern Bettongs from Tasmania, the only place they are now found in the wild, to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in 2011 and 2012, where the small kangaroo-like marsupials have thrived and become extraordinarily popular with residents and visitors alike.

We estimate there are at least 160 animals in Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and 70 in Tidbinbilla.

Bettongs play an important role in restoring the ACT’s grassy box-gum woodland, which is a threatened ecological community. As they dig for truffles to eat they are working as ‘ecosystem-engineers’, improving soil conditions, water infiltration and habitats for other organisms.

Following the success of the bettong’s reintroduction, the ACT Scientific Committee identified the need to give them future protection through listing in the ACT’s Threatened Native Species List under the category of Regionally Conservation Dependent.

Listing an animal is formal recognition of the need for ongoing management to conserve the species in the ACT.

After public consultation late last year, the Scientific Committee has now formally recommended that I list the Eastern Bettong in the Threatened Native Species List as Regionally Conservation Dependent.

Based on that advice, I have now made that listing.

Conservation advice for the Eastern Bettong is available at www.environment.act.gov.au

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases


«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases