Scientists manage to track one of the vulnerable to extinction rat at Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory. The rat is famous for its Chubby Cheeks. The researchers trap it and then release it back into the wild. Historically, it’s presence was throughout South-eastern Australia. However, catastrophic black summer bushfires ended much of its habitat. As a result its population significantly declined over the years.
Overall, the tiny rat species declined due to predators such as cats and foxes, habitat loss, bushfires and climate change. For almost 32 years, the rat not seen at Wilsons Prom.
It is a very exciting time
A team of researchers led by Zoos Victoria Biologist Phoebe Burns and Parks Victoria ecologist Brooke love found the rat. Environment Ministry Lily D’Ambrosio said, ‘’ It is a very exciting time. And it does underscore the importance of us maintaining Wilsons Prom as a safe haven for a lot of our endangered species.’’
Besides its short tail, flat face and chubby cheeks, the rat is known for its bright-green droppings. It helped the researchers find the rat during a survey in the southeast of Melbourne.
Ms D’Ambrosio further added, ‘’ we thought, of course, that they had no longer existed and certainly, it hasn’t been spotted (at Wilsons Prom) in more than three decades.’’
He added, ‘’ but some clever scientific work that’s been done by our dedicated scientists in the field. .. Discovered one of them still alive and thriving.
Turning 50,000 hectares of Wilsons Prom into a sanctuary
The state government says the discovery plays an important role and underscores the plan to turn 50,000 hectares of Wilsons Prom into a Sanctuary.
Parks Victoria biodiversity science manager Mark Antos appreciates the work and said, ‘’ this is great news for the Prom Sanctuary project. It provides a further reason to control introduced predators and grazing animals to help protect this unique species and give it the best chance of survival.’’
