By Danielle Davey
A recent count confirms that since their 2023 reintroduction to The Briars, the southern brown bandicoot population has more than tripled. The resurgence highlights the success of The Briars’ Ark Program, an initiative overseen by the sanctuary’s conservation and wildlife lead, Lachlan Gordon, in collaboration with Mornington Peninsula Shire, University of Melbourne, Deakin University, DEECA, conservation organisations and dedicated volunteers.
At its heart, the Ark Program is about restoring species that once belonged on the Mornington Peninsula and creating a landscape where they can thrive again for generations to come.
The rise in bandicoot numbers at the Mount Martha sanctuary is a positive sign the ecosystem is becoming healthier and more resilient. “Southern brown bandicoots are one of Victoria’s threatened native mammals and are often referred to as nature’s gardeners,” said Lachlan, whose responsibilities include habitat restoration and scientific monitoring along with partners from Deakin University. “As they forage for fungi, insects and plant material, they dig thousands of small holes throughout the bush. These diggings naturally aerate the soil, improve water infiltration, recycle nutrients and create ideal conditions for native plants to regenerate.
“The predator-proof sanctuary protects almost 100ha of high-quality native habitat, complemented by a further 40ha to be open to the public later this year. Currently undergoing extensive habitat restoration works, the new section will reveal to visitors what goes into restoring land back to a highly functioning ecosystem with rich biodiversity.”
Lachlan’s enthusiasm for his current role at The Briars is obvious. “My passion for Australia’s unique wildlife developed into a career working across parks, sanctuaries and conservation organisations throughout Australia for the past 20 years. What continues to inspire me is seeing species given a genuine second chance.”
Another recent success story is the recovery of the dwarf galaxias, a tiny, critically endangered freshwater fish. Through habitat restoration and improved water management, the population has increased from about 40 fish to more than 400 in just a few years. The Briars team is also monitoring species such as growling grass frogs, southern toadlets and a range of significant native birds.
Conservation doesn’t just happen in reserves, though; it starts in our own back yards. “Keeping cats safely contained at home and ensuring dogs remain on leads in environmentally sensitive areas are two of the most effective ways to protect native wildlife,” Lachlan said. “Planting locally indigenous species in gardens, reducing pesticide use and reporting injured wildlife to licensed wildlife carers all help create healthier ecosystems.”
The easiest way to support the Ark Program directly is to visit The Briars and discover the conservation work up close. Learning about local wildlife and discussing the topic with others helps build community support for conservation. Other opportunities include volunteering for citizen science projects and supporting the shire’s environmental initiatives. The Briars hopes to launch its own conservation and wildlife volunteer program soon.
For further information and updates, check out @briarsmtmartha on Instagram or Facebook, or visit the shire website www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
