In Australia, a successful breeding program has led to the reintroduction of the once-extinct eastern barred bandicoot. They were declared extinct in the wild in 1991 when their population dwindled to just 60 individuals residing in a Victorian landfill during the late 1980s.
Previous attempts to reintroduce the species failed due to inbreeding issues. However, a groundbreaking gene-mixing technique has now enabled the crossbreeding of mainland Australian bandicoots with those from Tasmania, two genetically distinct populations that have been isolated for over 10,000 years.
The efforts to save the eastern barred bandicoot from extinction have been supported by Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, showcasing the company’s dedication to climate innovation. Additionally, Amazon is backing various crucial conservation projects in Australia, such as breeding programs, wildlife sanctuary maintenance, animal translocations, and educational tours.
Michael Miller, Vice President at Amazon, expressed admiration for the bandicoots’ recovery, highlighting the scientific foundation of the genetic rescue program as a scalable and transformative conservation method that could benefit endangered species worldwide.
The genetic rescue initiative was spearheaded by the Odonata Foundation, Cesar Australia, and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team. The bandicoots’ burrowing activities contribute to soil health and landscape resilience against floods and droughts, with plans to relocate them to at least five different sites across Australia.
This strategy aims to establish a population of a minimum of 500 animals spread across at least five locations, reducing the risk of extinction due to natural disasters. The Right Now Climate Fund contributed a AU$2.5 million (US$1.8 million) donation to aid in restoring populations of endangered species in Australia, including the eastern barred bandicoot, eastern quoll, and southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby.
Dr. Andrew Weeks, Director of Cesar Australia and science advisor to Odonata, emphasized the improved genetic health and survival prospects of the bandicoot population compared to their inbred predecessors, thanks to the successful breeding efforts.