2 Different Endangered Species Are Making A Miraculous Comeback In The Same National Park
Current extinction rates range from 0.01% to 0.1% annually, with conservative estimates by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) suggesting that between 200 and 2,000 species are lost each year. These stats serve as a reminder of the impact that climate change and habitat destruction have on wildlife. Luckily, despite these persistent challenges conservationists face worldwide, the western quoll and the brushtail possum are two amazing animals that have made a comeback from the brink of extinction, proving that perseverance can pay off.
Both the western quoll and brushtail possum were introduced to Australia's Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in 2014. The western quoll, once widespread throughout southern Australia, became near-threatened due to predation by introduced species and habitat loss. The brushtail possum population had been sharply declining in central Australia for nearly 60 years due to European settlement. Both mammals were previously observed in the park after their introduction, but concrete numbers were not available until recently. In May 2025, a five-day operation of rangers and volunteers were able to catch, scan, and release 135 Western quolls and 30 brushtail possums; a healthy growth in population over ten years.
Australia has a unique biodiversity due to various factors, such as its location on one side of the massive 'invisible fence' that animals in Asia won't cross. People outside the country may never have the chance to see these remarkable creatures up close, but the two mammals are integral to Australia's ecosystem and culture.
The western quoll and the brushtail possum are integral to Australia
About the size of a domestic cat, the western quoll is recognizable by its white spots offset by its dark fur. The nocturnal, carnivorous marsupial is the largest of its kind in southern Australia. As a top predator, the spotted animal plays a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. For the Indigenous people of Australia, the western quoll is an integral part of their culture, appearing in creation stories and its image used in ceremonies.
Comparatively, the protected brushtail possum has a peculiar status in Australia, as its ability to live alongside humans makes it a pest to many; in neighboring New Zealand, the brushtail is an invasive threat. Still, the omnivorous mammal plays a crucial role in Australia's ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and pollinate plants, as well as removing mistletoe, which threatens the country's eucalyptus trees.
@nadine_f0912 A cute little Bushtail possum. #possum #possumsoftiktok #nativeaustralia #wildlife #australianmarsupials #marsupial #brushtailpossum
The comeback of the western quoll and brushtail possum in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is a remarkable success story of two species defying the odds in southern Australia. For more stories on conservation efforts, check out South America's largest mammal thought extinct that was spotted in a protected zone.