Eastern barred bandicoot returns to Australian wild after world-first genetic rescue

Australia: The eastern barred bandicoot, declared extinct in the wild in 1991 after numbers fell to just 60 animals at a Victorian landfill, is set for a comeback across half a dozen reintroduction sites following a world-first gene-mixing program.

The small native marsupial vanished from mainland Australia after the ecosystem was devastated by invasive rabbits and predation from feral cats and foxes. Earlier reintroduction attempts failed due to inbreeding among the few surviving animals.

To overcome that, conservationists turned to “breeding for survival.” Mainland Australian bandicoots were bred with those from Tasmania — two populations genetically isolated for more than 10,000 years. The mix has restored genetic diversity, giving the species a stronger chance in the wild.

The genetic rescue program was led by the Odonata Foundation, Cesar Australia, and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team. Animals from the new breeding line will now be released into carefully managed sites designed to keep predators out.

The return brings more than species recovery. The chipmunk-sized bandicoots are prolific burrowers, and their digging improves soil health, boosts water infiltration, and strengthens landscapes against flood and drought.