Bauxite Resources has initiated plans to support the efforts to save the critically endangered Woylie. This native marsupial was once prolific in BRL's Darling Range tenement areas but could not compete with introduced feral animals.
BRL intends to implement its "fences for fauna" program with the ultimate goal to reintroduce and establish Woylie colonies in suitably protected fenced areas following mining and subsequent rehabilitation.
The Woylie was once the story of success after its incredible comeback from the brink of extinction in the 1990’s. This small kangaroo like creature was the first Australian species to be removed from the endangered species list.
However, the Woylie now faces a very real threat of extinction, with numbers plummeting up to 97% in some of the few remaining populations since 2001. The likely suspects in this decline include predation (from foxes and cats) and disease.
The Woylie plays a pivotal role as an ecosystem engineer performing many unique ecosystem functions:
- Digging for its favourite food, underground fungi, turns over 5 tonnes of soil per year allowing water and nutrients to seep into the ground.
- Spreading spores of the fungi it eats, helps keep forests and woodlands healthy and productive.
- Storing Sandalwood seeds in shallow caches creates the perfect conditions for germination.
Without the efforts of leading conservationists, scientists, the government and corporate citizens our future generations may not share the delight of watching this ‘greyhound’ of the marsupial world bounding through the forest. BRL plans to champion and support the efforts to save the Woylie from the brink of extinction through strategic partnerships and a new era of corporate environmental programs in keeping with the Company's vision to be a sustainable generator of economic and social prosperity through the responsible development of resources.
Related Link: http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2008/10/07/2384667.htm