|
|
| Newswatch |
Spare a thought for Gilbert's Potoroo
Gilbert's Potoroo became famous when it was rediscovered in 1994 after an absence of over 100 years. The population discovered at that time was thought to number about 30 individuals and today this figure has reached 40.
Despite the increase, there are concerns about the long-term future of the species as syphilis (treponema bacteria) has been found in 80% of the population.
In severe cases the disease prevents male potoroos from mating.
Despite the bad news, a population of 9 potoroos that was transferred 30 kilometres offshore to Bald Island three years ago has grown to 13 and the latest generation is now ready to breed.
Researchers hope to be able to release 100 animals into the wild in five years.
As serious as the plight is for Tasmania's devil, spare a thought for their little cousins literally hanging on the brink of extinction - Gilbert's Potoroos.
Full article at ABC (from Nov 07).
Posted by: admin on 06 Jan 2008 06:33 PM.
Updated by: admin on 06 Jan 2008 08:44 PM
|
|