The eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunni) was once common on the Victorian Volcanic Plain, playing the role of an ecosystem engineer – turning over the soil in search of insects and by doing so, likely adding to the germination of many native plants.

The species was highly vulnerable to fox predation and declined dramatically after the 1930s. The last wild population on mainland Australia was declared extinct in Hamilton (Vic) in 1993.

Major threats

• Introduced predators
• Population decline has been observed at reintroduction sites during drought
• 99% of their native grassland habitat has been lost

Key actions

• Maintain existing safe havens for reintroduced populations
• Reintroduce populations where predator exclusion is possible
• Closely monitor reintroduced populations