A small marsupial with a surprising survival strategy is making a remarkable return to South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. The brush-tailed bettong, once roamed much of mainland Australia before nearly vanishing due to habitat destruction and introduced predators. Now, thanks to the Marna Banggara project, this resilient species is bouncing back from the brink of extinction.
Since 2021, conservationists have reintroduced nearly 200 bettongs into a predator-controlled safe haven spanning 150,000 hectares. These “ecosystem engineers” play a crucial role in soil health by digging for fungi, aerating the land, and helping native plants grow. Early results have exceeded expectations, with high birth rates and a thriving population. The project aims to restore more lost species, proving that conservation and local economies can work hand in hand to protect Australia’s rich biodiversity.