This is a boodie call

Dig deep for the burrowing bettong, or boodie, these little guys need your help!

Before European settlement, the burrowing bettong, or boodie, flourished across Australia in untold numbers. Today it is only found naturally on three small islands off WA. Threatened by feral predators, fire and disease, numbers have fallen to about 5000. That is why Arid Recovery, a not-for-profit conservation and research organisation in SA, has stepped in to help.

"The burrowing bettong was once abundant, and it's a great shame that they are no longer found in the wild on the mainland," says Kylie Piper from Arid Recovery, an organisation that manages a 12,300ha sanctuary near Roxby Downs, SA.

The reserve, which has been home to reintroduced bettongs since 1999, now has a population of 1500. The marsupial builds complex warrens and once thrived in arid shrub, such as that found on the reserve.

As more than 6000ha of the property is free of the predators, it's an ideal location for the species to prosper. "Australia is unlikely to ever be rid of cats and foxes, which is why feral-free areas are so essential to the conservation of Australia's unique mammals," Kylie says. 

Help the Burrowing Bettong and DONATE NOW 

Your donation to the AG Society will help Arid Recovery to maintain its wildlife reserve, which provides a safe haven for burrowing bettongs.

DID YOU KNOW ?

- Burrowing bettongs do not need to drink. They obtain all their moisture from the foods they eat and from the condensation on leaves.

- Burrowing bettong diggings often form warrens. One warren on record had 120 entrances and more than 60 bettongs lived there!

- A female bettong can have up to three young at one time: a joey at foot, a pouch young and a developing embryo, which she can put on hold for as long as 11 months or until there is enough food.

WHO IS ARID RECOVERY?
Arid Recovery is a conservation and research organisation that helps restore Australia's restoration of arid zone ecosystems. 
The not for profit organisation is based near Roxby Downs, South Australia, with a reserve spanning 123km2 with 60km2 of this completely free of feral animals.


HOW CAN I HELP?

Donate now and tell your friends about the burrowing bettong - knowledge is the key to their survival.