feel good
Numbat population healthy in Dryandra Woodlands National Park thanks to feral cat control
A numbat in Dryandra Woodland National Park. (Supplied: Heather Thorning)
In short:
Researchers say the population of numbats in the Dryandra Woodlands National Park is going strong thanks to the feral cat threat being brought under control.
During the annual survey in the woodlands 25 numbats were seen. Only five were recorded in 2018.
What's next?
Several numbats have been fitted with tracking collars as part of a long-term study, which will continue to provide a window into the threats the species faces.
A crackdown on feral cats is helping to return the once dwindling numbat population in southern Western Australia to healthier numbers.
Two populations of the critically endangered marsupial remain in WA, the largest of which is in the Dryandra Woodlands National Park, 160 kilometres south-east of Perth.
It's always a good idea to stay limber as a numbat with an active lifestyle. (Supplied: Heather Thorning)
In a promising sign, numbat joeys were spotted in the park this month.
Tony Friend has been surveying this numbat population annually since 1987 and says the management of feral animals has had a significant impact.
Tony Friend is delighted with the results of the feral cat crackdown. (Supplied: Rob McClean)
"Predation of numbers by cats has just dropped off entirely," he said.
"The odd one happens but it's nothing like it used to be, so we can attribute the increase in numbers to that cat management."
The surveys are conducted along a circuit through the woodlands and allow the researchers to estimate the density of the numbat population.
Dryandra Woodland National Park has some ideal spots for contemplative numbats. (Supplied: Heather Thorning)
When the fox is away …
The 25 numbats recorded is a slight dip from last year but Dr Friend said it indicated population stability.
"Last time there was a peak, it dropped off very quickly," he said.
"This time it seems to be sustained, which is really good news."
The visible numbat population dropped to as low as five as recently 2018.
The young numbats will soon start to explore new territory. (Supplied: Heather Thorning)
"Cats benefited from the lack of foxes in the woodland after the baiting started back in the '90s," Dr Friend said.
"About half of the predation of numbats in Dryandra in 2012/2013 was by cats and all the other predators, the birds of prey, pythons and chuditch just fitted into the rest.
"It was clear that cats needed to be managed and this is being done now through baiting and also shooting and trapping on surrounding farmland."
Dr Friend says it's promising to see the numbat population staying steady, even if there is a slight decline. (Supplied: Vanessa Rowe)
Collaring the 'numbubs'
Radio tracking of many of the numbats in the area allows researchers to determine which predators are killing the animals.
The collar program is run in partnership with the Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species, the Numbat Taskforce and the Peel Harvey Catchment Council.
Numbat Taskforce volunteer Rob McClean said several joeys – or "numbubs" – called Nickeli, Wee Pet and Hollow Beach had been fitted with collars this year.
A numbat strikes a pose on a fallen tree in Dryandra Woodland National Park. (Supplied: Heather Thorning)
"We try to keep between 15 and 20 numbats collared throughout the year and then we follow them for their whole life," he said.
"It works out home range, their activity, their breeding.
"We collared a few juvenile numbats so we can get an idea of what is going on over the summer."
Numbats hanging out in Dryandra Woodlands National Park. (Supplied: Vanessa Rowe)
It is an important time of year for young numbats, which begin to leave their mother's territory.
"The young females, they will generally take up the next patch," Mr McClean said.
"The young males, they might wander up to a couple of kilometres away.
"They've got to established themselves and find their own little patch of paradise and hopefully procreating more numbers next year."
Numbat joeys spotted in Dryandra earlier this month. (Supplied: Vanessa Rowe)