Kangaroo island dunnart

This small, mostly insectivorous marsupial lives solely in the western part of Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

It was estimated that less than 500 individuals of this critically endangered species lived on Kangaroo Island until the bushfires broke out. Historically, the dunnart was primarily threatened by the development of agriculture. The remnants of the original vegetation were subsequently burnt and the dunnarts lost more than 90 percent of their territory. They have lost a significant part of their natural cover, thus it is much easier for predators, especially feral cats, to hunt dunnarts. In some areas, a single cat would suffice to destroy an entire population overnight.
Prague Zoo has used the money raised to support the activities of Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife in its efforts to minimise the threats to the dunnart; such as constructing fenced areas or tunnels inside and outside the rescue station so that dunnarts can move safely through the landscape and look for islands of unburned greenery. Monitoring and collecting information on this puzzling species were also be funded.
ZOOPRAHA.CZ
Contacts
- The Prague zoological garden
U Trojskeho zamku 120/3
171 00 Praha 7
Phone.: (+420) 296 112 230 (public relations department)
e-mail: zoopraha@zoopraha.cz
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