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Smoky Mouse Returns to NSW Forest After Decades
22 Oct
Summary
- Nearly 50 critically endangered smoky mice released in NSW.
- Predator-free area established to protect native mammal recovery.
- Project aims to reintroduce nine locally extinct mammal species.
In a significant conservation effort, nearly 50 critically endangered smoky mice have been released into the Nungatta Feral Predator-Free Area in New South Wales. This marks the first time a threatened species has been reintroduced into this specific protected zone, which has been free of feral cats and foxes since its establishment. The smoky mouse had not been seen in this part of South East Forest National Park since the 1990s.
The reintroduction is a crucial step in a larger project by the NSW Government to restore the region's native mammal population. The Nungatta Feral Predator-Free Area is one of ten such sites across the state, collectively aiming to cover nearly 65,000 hectares of predator-free national park estate. This initiative supports the state's strategy to prevent extinctions.
Beyond the smoky mouse, the project plans to reintroduce up to eight other species, including the eastern bettong and eastern quoll. These animals play vital roles in the ecosystem. The captive breeding program for the smoky mice began in 2016, with their release representing the initial phase of a comprehensive restoration plan for the area.
The smoky mouse, a small native rodent, faces threats from habitat loss, predation by introduced species like feral cats and foxes, and disease. Its survival has been precarious, with sightings dwindling in recent decades. The establishment of predator-free zones like Nungatta is considered essential for providing a safe haven for these vulnerable species.
