Southern Brown Bandicoot Colony Found Stable in Adelaide Park

A colony of endangered southern brown bandicoots has been documented in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, approximately six kilometers from Adelaide, South Australia. Recent surveys estimate the breeding population at about half a dozen animals, with researchers describing the colony as stable.

Conservation efforts, coordinated by multiple organizations, include habitat protection, predator management, and public awareness initiatives.

Colony Status and Location

The southern brown bandicoot colony is located within Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. The colony was first identified approximately six years ago.

Surveys conducted by the University of Adelaide, utilizing camera monitoring and microchipping, estimate the breeding group consists of about six animals. Researchers have described this subpopulation as stable.

The southern brown bandicoot is the last remaining bandicoot species in South Australia, where eight species existed prior to European settlement. The species is listed as endangered, with habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation cited as primary causes for its decline.

A separate colony was sighted in Kuitpo Forest in 2018, the first such sighting there in 35 years.

Conservation Actions at Brownhill Creek

A multi-organizational initiative, operating under names including "Bandi Bush Care," involves Conservation Volunteers Australia, Friends of Brownhill Creek, the Brownhill Creek Association, the University of Adelaide, and National Parks and Wildlife staff. The work is led by researchers including Dr. Jasmin Packer and Dr. Rossi von der Borch.

Specific conservation measures implemented at the site include:

• Grazing Enclosure: A fenced area was constructed to prevent kangaroos and feral deer from consuming native plants, allowing vegetation to regenerate.
• Habitat Management: Invasive blackberry bushes are being managed and gradually removed. Researchers note that while these bushes are a managed pest, they currently provide critical habitat cover for the bandicoots as native plants regrow.
• Predator Protection: Shelter structures, referred to as "bandicoot bungalows," have been installed using materials like old pallets and sticks to provide refuge from predators such as foxes and cats.
• Public Awareness: Signs and gates have been installed to remind park visitors to keep dogs on leashes.

Dr. Jasmin Packer of the University of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences stated that the native vegetation within the enclosure is becoming stronger and denser, providing a refuge for the bandicoots.

Broader Conservation Context and Related Initiatives

The conservation work at Brownhill Creek is part of wider efforts to support the species in the region.

• Bandicoot Superhighway Project: This separate initiative aims to create habitat corridors through the Mt Lofty Ranges to connect isolated bandicoot populations. Its goals include increasing habitat area, conducting weed control, fencing remnant vegetation, and raising public awareness.
• Habitat Linkage Efforts: According to Ron Bellchambers of the Brownhill Creek Association, a goal is to establish a vegetation corridor to link the Brownhill Creek colony with another colony in Upper Sturt. Efforts are underway to negotiate with private landowners to improve habitat on their properties to facilitate this connection.

• At Upper Sturt, concerns have been raised about bandicoots potentially being affected by pindone-laced carrots used for rabbit control.
• At a private property called Bandicoot Springs, the landowner reported a reduction in sightings during 2024 but later observed that the animals had reproduced. A subsequent survey found evidence of their presence.

Ron Bellchambers stated that the bandicoot presence has raised the park's profile and emphasized the colony's potential importance as a refuge in the event of a catastrophic bushfire in the Adelaide Hills.