THIRD BREEDING COLONY FOR GILBERTS POTOROO
Not so long ago there were only 30 Gilberts Potoroos left in one tiny colony in Western Australia.
Disease, bush-fire or even just one fox could have wiped out the entire species. Wildlife authorities were desperate to build up the numbers of Potoroos and establish at least one extra colony to minimise the risk.
All they needed was money - but money was tight at the time, too tight to even spare enough to save Australia's most endangered species.
That's where FAME stepped in. With the help out our donors, FAME contributed enough funds to establish a captive breeding facility using Long-nosed Potoroos as surrogate mothers. This lead to the establishment of a second colony on Bald Island off the WA coast.
Gilberts Potoroo now numbers around 100 animals - enough to provide hope for the future, and enough for a third colony. The WA government have just announced that they will fund the establishment of a new colony on the mainland, where Gilberts Potoroos will live and breed safely in natural habitat behind a feral proof fence.
"This is a dream result for Gilberts Potoroo - and for FAME" said FAME Executive Director Cheryl Hill. "It's wonderful to know that our contribution has led to this great outcome. While we could never afford to fund the entire project, FAME's modest contribution enabled the establishment of the Bald Island colony and the cross-fostering breeding programme that built up the numbers."
"It's a case of being willing to plug the financial gap at the crucial moment, and it's what FAME does best. Even a small contribution can mean the difference between extinction and survival for Australia's precious wildlife."
Support FAME's work with endangered species like Gilberts Potoroo. Donate now, or join FAME, via our secure site
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