Year 9 Science of Environment and Living
Eastern Barred Bandicoot
In Year 9 Science of Environment and Living we’re investigating endangered species management and focusing on the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. As part of the study we will be visiting Werribee Zoo to be involved with the research of Eastern Barred Bandicoots and investigating the use of Maremma Dogs as a guardian for the populations (similar to the use of Maremma Dogs as guardians for penguins such as those depicted in the Oddball movie).
The Eastern Barred Bandicoot is a small native marsupial that is now considered extinct in the wild. This species relies on native grasslands which are one of Australia's most threatened ecosystems with less than 0.1% of the habitat remaining.
Zoos Victoria are managing a captive breeding program with the aim of creating self-sustaining populations in the wild. Some individuals have been released back into the wild and seem to be doing okay. There is also a trial population on Churchill Island.
We are completing the Common Cents Challenge which requires us to collect $2 coins (a new born Eastern Barred Bandicoot is almost the same size as a $2 coin) to help Zoos Victoria fight extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot through the development of a captive breeding and re-introduction program.
More information can be found at Please help us help the Bandicoots!
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