Scientists excited by footage of rare newborns caught on trail cameras: 'Ecstatic'

In the heart of Powrunna State Forest, Southwest Queensland, three tiny wombat joeys are thriving in a habitat where their species once faced near extinction. Trail cameras have captured images of the young marsupials safely nestled in their mothers pouches, marking the first confirmed wild births at the reserve.

Northern hairy-nosed wombats, once widespread across Eastern Australia, had dwindled to just 35 individuals in Queensland by the 1980s due to habitat destruction and invasive species. Conservation efforts over the decades have gradually increased their numbers, with roughly 400 now inhabiting Epping Forest National Park in Central Queensland and about 20 residing at Richard Underwood Nature Reserve near Surat.

In May 2024, the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation began relocating wombats to the 2,800-hectare Powrunna site. Although the joeys have not yet been observed directly, the news has been met with enthusiasm. Everyone involved in the project is absolutely thrilled, said regional director Rachel Chesher. These births show that the wombats are settling into their new environment.

Since June, 11 wombats have been added to Powrunna, joining 25 previously relocated individuals. The reserve was carefully prepared with fencing and water stations to ensure the animals safety. Having births at the site so soon is a major sign of the projects success, Chesher added.

The ultimate aim is to establish three self-sustaining northern hairy-nosed wombat populations across Queensland. Wombat Foundation ambassador Leanne Brosnan emphasized the importance of distributing the population across multiple locations. Thriving colonies across their former range ensure sustainability, genetic diversity, and protection, she explained. This is the real measure of their recovery from the brink of extinction.

The species resurgence has even inspired a campaign to make the northern hairy-nosed wombat a mascot for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Brosnan noted that global attention could raise awareness and support for their conservation. Many people are unaware of their existence in Queensland, and this visibility helps the cause, she said.

The joeys are expected to remain in their mothers pouches for around 10 months. Once they emerge, they will play a crucial role in strengthening the species population and expanding its presence in the wild.

Author: Grace Ellison