The pivotal role of islands in the conservation of eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii)

The mainland eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) has been the subject of a recovery effort since 1988 due to threats posed by introduced predators and habitat destruction. Despite a concerted effort to recover the species, they came perilously close to extinction in the early 2000s. A change of tactics and securing populations in multiple fox-free safe havens was required to save the species from imminent extinction. Through the release of eastern barred bandicoots onto Phillip and French Islands, made possible by support from the local island communities, the trajectory of eastern barred bandicoots has been reversed. They are now widespread and abundant across both islands, and in 2021 were reclassified from ‘Extinct in the Wild’ to ‘Endangered’ largely due to these island releases. However, this does not mean that the eastern barred bandicoot is secure and no longer requires management. As mainland eastern barred bandicoots only occur within safe havens, which have a history of intermittent incursions and failure, it is essential that sites remain vigilantly monitored and managed to secure the species and the hard-won conservation gains. We document the lengthy process of releasing eastern barred bandicoots onto Victoria’s two largest islands, including assessing suitability, garnering community support and managing uncertainties.