The ACT Government has officially opened the Jedbinbilla Safe Haven at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to help protect the critically endangered southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby from predators and save them from extinction.
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said this is another milestone for the ACT Government’s ongoing commitment to protect threatened species in the territory.
“There are less than 100 of these animals in the wild, and they are on the brink of extinction from major threats such as foxes. The Jedbinbilla Safe Haven will be a crucial step towards their recovery,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“The ACT Government has been contributing to the recovery of the southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby since the mid-1990s by protecting and breeding animals in captivity at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The animals produced by this breeding program are now more genetically robust than the few remaining animals in the wild.
“By breeding genetically robust individuals in captivity, the program ensures the preservation of genetic diversity, essential for the species’ survival.
“The safe haven is a predator-proof enclosure where the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby can thrive without threat. It will also help to prepare these animals to one day go back into the wild.
“This has been a great collaborative effort involving various stakeholders including the ACT Government and the Threatened Species Commissioner, the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Recovery Team, Zoos Victoria, Prague Zoo, and the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
“Thank you to everyone involved for their dedication and perseverance to opening the Jedbinbilla Safe Haven.”
