South West NRM granted $726,000 by Federal Government for conservation of critically endangered animals

Possums in the treetops, quendas in the underbrush and tiny frogs burrowing into soil are all set to benefit from a portion of the Federal Government’s $24 million lifeline for threatened native species.

South West Natural Resource Management has received $726,000 for two conservation projects in the South West, as part of the Saving Native Species grants revealed last week.

The organisation has been granted $478,786 to protect native animals in the Wellington National Park under threat of extinction, including mainland quokkas, chuditch and the western ringtail possum.

Partnering with the Leschenault Catchment Council, South West NRM is looking to improve prospects for all of these unique natives by reducing the impact of introduced predators.

Working with landowners whose properties border the national park, it will aim to target the feral pigs, cats and foxes that enter the park and prey on native wildlife.

The remaining $247,425 is allocated to a project to restore populations of the critically endangered white-bellied frog, which has been majorly impacted by the climate crisis.

The frog, no bigger than a thumbnail, has seen its habitat dry to such a point the amphibian can no longer successfully breed.

South West NRM will work with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to develop and test soil rehydration methods to allow the frog to be reintroduced into areas where it has previously become extinct.

The project will involve installing soil-water monitoring probes across an array of locations to measure the hydration status over time. Irrigation systems will then be installed across potential habitats to rehydrate the area and allow for the frog to successfully breed.

South West NRM sustainability and environment lead Linda Metz said allocation of the funding was critically important for the region in addressing the triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.

“Our region is within one of only 36 internationally recognised, global biodiversity hotspots which means we have some of the rarest, yet most threatened species on earth within our stewardship,” Ms Metz said.

“The healthier our ecosystem, the healthier the planet and its people.”

These are two of the 61 projects intending to crack down on invasive animals and improve and enhance existing habits awarded funding by the Federal Government.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the funding would help the government meet its target of achieving zero new extinctions.

“This funding is about supporting the dedicated scientists, conservationists and passionate local community groups right across Australia who are working hard to save our precious native plants and animals,” she said.