<
https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/8623040/endangered-mouse-returns-after-almost-half-a-century/>
A breeding program has returned an endangered rodent to a botanic garden where
it has not been sighted for 48 years.
A group of 28 Pookila, a mouse native to southeast Australia, has been
reintroduced at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne as part of a breeding program
by Melbourne Zoo and Moonlit Sanctuary.
Pookila have been in decline since their discovery in 1970 and are considered
extinct in seven of their 12 known locations.
About 3000 are believed to exist in the remaining five locations in eastern
Victoria.
Native rodent biologist Phoebe Burns said Zoos Victoria was proud to lead the
reintroduction program as part of wider efforts to recover the species.
"This is the culmination of decades of work by dedicated conservation
scientists," Dr Burns said.
"It's so exciting to be at the point where we get to return the Pookila to the
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne after nearly 50 years' absence."
The breeding program matched Pookila from different locations to ensure greater
genetic diversity than those remaining in the wild.
They have been housed in a small, fenced-off area ahead of their release into
the broader gardens in the next six to eight weeks.
"The soft-release process will allow Pookila to adjust to their new home, get
used to the weather, dig burrows and experience Cranbourne gardens while
remaining safe and well-fed," Dr Burns said.
"Once they're ready, we'll let them look after themselves, but continue to keep
a close eye on them."'
Via
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