Northern #bettong #genes reveal low #genetic diversity, complicating protection measures.

#biodiversity #conservation

https://phys.org/news/2023-06-northern-bettong-genes-reveal-genetic.html

Happy #WildlifeWins Day aka #Sunday!!

I’m sharing a bouncing story today from #Australia where a reintroduction programme has successfully seen the return of the #Bettong - a marsupial that resembles a mini #kangaroo.

With numbers reaching the millions prior to European colonisation, there’s now only roughly 12000-18000 bettong left in Australia - limited to islands and protected enclosures.

The good news is that in the last few years, 120 bettongs have been released into the wild in South Australia and indicators so far suggest it’s been successful.

The small creatures are very important for ecosystems as they dig tonnes of soil which helps create smaller environments for other species to thrive. Let’s hope the positive start continues!!

#conservation #conversationnews #goodnews #sundayfunday #animals #news

https://phys.org/news/2023-05-mini-kangaroos-south-australia.html

"Reintroducing the bettongs should see a cascade of positive effects. The bettongs are prolific diggers, with one single animal moving between 2-6 tonnes of soil a year.

By digging, #bettongs improve the soil, spread #seeds and create #MicroClimates and #WaterPools for bugs and plants to grow."

Decimated brush-tailed #bettong makes a startling return – with the help of #PeanutButter | #Australia #Marsupials | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/may/18/decimated-brush-tailed-bettong-makes-a-startling-return-with-the-help-of-peanut-butter