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2022-2032

VISION To be a world-class Wildlife Sanctuary and Education Centre that delivers a high standard of care, compassion, and ethics. To operate as a valuable asset for the Wollondilly region, working toward the long-term sustainability of all wildlife and the environment.

CONTENT AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION LTD 5 AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 5 MESSAGE FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR 5 HERITAGE 6 RELICS 7 SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE 9 CONSERVATION 11 CONSERVATION PROJECTS 12-27 Welcome to the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary! Set on 95 hectares of natural and original Bargo Brush, home to many native flora and fauna species. The sanctuary is a State Heritage listed property and one of Wollondilly's most loved attractions.

AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY The sanctuary covers an area of 95 hectares (230 acres). Located about halfway between the Bargo River Crossing and the village of Bargo on the Hume Highway, approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) south of Sydney. The sanctuary preserves a part of the original "Bargo Brush" which was of considerable historical importance in the problems which faced the settlement of the Argyle or Southern Tablelands during the early half of the 1800s. The Sanctuary contains rich and diverse plantings of native plants in formalised gardens, which were developed to provide areas of representative native plans for education and research purposes. MESSAGE FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR This wonderful sanctuary has been committed to conservation of the natural environment, cultural heritage and educating the community and visitors for more than 55 years. I’m delighted to present this Conservation & Heritage Plan 2022-2032. This plan provides an overview of our Conservation and Heritage projects, our future vision and goals. Our contributions will help to preserve native species from further decline through insurance populations and breeding programs. We have a team of highly motivated and committed individuals and are enthusiastic about protecting our wildlife into the future. I am proud to ensure that the legacy of our founder, Dr Thistle Stead [Harris], is honoured by our efforts in conserving our precious natural environment and native flora and fauna for future generations to enjoy. Brad Wilson

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE The sanctuary is significant for its role in the development of the conservation movement in NSW, and for its association with key persons who pioneered conservation debate, the evolution of the conservation movement in Australia and environmental education in NSW. Also associated with pioneering expeditions which led to the settlement of the Southern Highlands Region and the first written report of the koala and lyrebird in Australia. AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE The sanctuary forms part of a link between the large natural areas of the Metropolitan and Warragamba Catchments and the Greater Blue Mountains and is therefore significant as a corridor for wildlife, particularly as areas immediately to the South of the Sanctuary have been cleared. As a remnant of the Bargo Bush, it contains a rich and diverse flora and fauna habitat including a number of rare or threatened species. It contains extensive plantings of native plants, including rare and endangered flora. SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE The sanctuary is of social significance for its promotion, education and an example to the community with respect to practical protection of Australia’s flora and fauna, and research into management and preservation of indigenous wildlife. Education of young people in the endless facets of the natural and man-made environment. HERITAGE LISTINGS NSW State Heritage Register National Trust Register Wollondilly Local Environment Plan GOALS • Maintain all buildings, memorial gardens and other items of cultural heritage in accordance with heritage management legislation. • Appoint qualified and appropriate consultants to undertake a Conservation Management Plan for the sanctuary. • Where appropriate take necessary action to protect relics and items of significant heritage. This could involve fencing to preserve the items from sanctuary visitors. • Install interpretation at relic and significant items at the sanctuary • Continue to promote the cultural heritage of the sanctuary including the legacy of the founder, Dr Thistle Stead [Harris]. • Promote the sanctuary as a living memorial to the work of the founder’s husband David G. Stead. • Establish an educational museum within the Visitor Information Centre highlighting the heritage aspects of the sanctuary and information about our founders and their work. • Ensure an active conservation agreement remains with the relevant government authorities for the continued protection of the landscape and environmental significance of the sanctuary • Develop partnerships with heritage organisations and lobby governments, councils and anyone necessary about the importance of heritage conservation. HERITAGE

RUINS European Settlement Relic Layered sandstone blocks remnants of the foundations of a previous occupation of the area WELL European Settlement Relic Remains of inground well near railway lines WALL European Settlement Relic Remains of a sandstone wall. OCKENDEN POOL Significant Item Named in honour of Roy Ockenden SANCTUARY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE The main administration building at the sanctuary including a gift shop & cafe

Dr. Thistle Yolette Stead [nee Harris] 1902 - 1990 Conservationist and Founder of the Sanctuary Thistle often expressed the view that 'education of people was the most important pursuit in society' and in all her activities throughout her long professional and post-professional career, education in one form or another was integral with her endeavours. Dr Stead was a prolific author and published twelve books - the first of which was "Wildflowers of Australia" published in 1938. This publication did perhaps more than any other of its kind to popularise the recognition and appreciation of Australian native plants. It set in motion a chain of events which has established an international appreciation of Australia's flora. Thistle Stead left a great and enduring legacy which will continue to provide enlightenment and pleasure to present and future generations. She will be remembered by all who knew her and knew of her work with great respect for the inspiration that her work provided. “The conservationist is one of the most important people living because civilised living is not civilised, properly speaking, without the natural environment of which man himself is apart. Unless we have habitat preservation in which people can see the natural bush, can learn to appreciate that this is the home of interesting and loveable animals, there is no culture in life” (Thistle Harris) David George Stead 1877 - 1957 Conservationist and Educator The Sanctuary stands as a memorial to the work of David Stead. David Stead was a dedicated naturalist and member of many scientific and natural history societies of which he was often an office bearer. As an enthusiastic geographer, oceanographer and aquarist he made great collections of Australian and Malayan fishes which are now preserved in the Australian Museum. David Stead was a popular lecturer, often travelling great distances willingly to give a talk with one of the best collection of slides on natural topics. He was never in doubt of his perspective. The cause of conservation was uppermost in his mind and he was one of the people whose work in the area of conservation influenced later generations of the rightness of the conservation cause. No one fought harder than he for the preservation of Australian wildlife; from his work has arisen an awakening that has meant a fuller appreciation of the value of our native plants and animals and our scenic gems; from his efforts, often initiated alone and against considerable opposition, has arisen the wider groups of people that are pressing for recognition for the cultural, scientific, and economic value of the natural environments of our land.

CONSERVATION AGREEMENT A conservation agreement is an agreement between the Australian Government Environment Minister and another person for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in an area of land or sea. There is a conservation agreement that covers the freehold land on the eastern side of the sanctuary. This agreement was made in 2014 and is still a current agreement. The sanctuary and the minister recognise that the conservation area is an intact remnant example of Bargo Bush, which once covered an extensive area south of Sydney. The Australian Wildlife Foundation Ltd as managers of the sanctuary recognise and agree to the commitment required under legislation for the continued operation and management of such a conservation sanctuary. CONSERVATION INITIATIVES The Australian Wildlife Foundation is committed to the conservation of native flora and fauna species and keeping in line with our vision, mission and objectives commit to endangered species breeding and insurance programs. We believe it is our duty as occupiers of the world to protect and conserve everything that came before us for future generations to enjoy. Conservation is the end goal of our organisation, and with Australia being a country so rich in wildlife diversity it is devastating that more than 1700 species of animals and plants are listed at risk of extinction. Our foundation has identified several species in which we will implement and manage conservation programs, these include: • Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) • Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) • Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) • Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) • Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) • Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) • Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale penicillate) • Bargo Geebung (Persoonia bargoensis) • Parma Wallaby (Macropus parma) • White Waratah (Telopea speciosissima “Wirrimbirra White”) • Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) • Bush-stone Curlew (Anthochaera phrygia) • Brown Pomaderris (Pomaderris brunnea) • Brush-tailed Bettong (Bettongia penicillata) CONSERVATION

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: The koala is a tree-dwelling marsupial with large furry ears, a prominent black nose, long sharp claws adapted for climbing and no tail. Fur colour varies from pale grey in north Australia to grey-brown in the south. Despite being called 'koala bears' for many years, koalas are marsupials. While bears give birth to well-developed young, newborn koalas are tiny enough to fit on your thumbnail and are raised in their mother's pouch. The closest relative of the koala is the wombat. Both animals have pouches which open towards the rear. This is fine for the wombat, but koalas need strong muscles ringing the pouch to keep their young from falling out. The first recorded sightings of Koalas by European settlers were made at Bargo. David G. Stead the husband of the sanctuary founder, Thistle Harris, was very actively involved with efforts for the protection of Koalas in Australia THREATS: Threats to koalas include loss, modification and fragmentation of habitat, disease (chlamydia), vehicle strike, intense prescribed burns or wildfires that scorch or burn the tree canopy, predation by roaming or domestic dogs, heat stress through drought and heatwaves and human-induced climate change. GOALS: • Plan and construct purpose-built koala housing and breeding facility at the sanctuary. • Negotiate with landowners to ensure a suitable number of plantations for feeding captive koalas held at the sanctuary • Assist the Wollondilly Shire Council Koala Conservation Project monitoring and workshops in our local areas and koala habitat by attending information sessions, seminars and field work. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media. • Continue making the community aware of the effort of David G. Stead regarding koala protection.

Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisi)i CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: Tasmanian Devils are shy creatures which often scavenge dead animals rather than kill their own prey. The Tasmanian Devil can consume an entire animal including bones, fur and scales. They can consume more than 10% of their body weight in one meal. Tasmanian Devils once roamed the mainland, however, can now only be found in the wilds of Tasmania THREATS: Devil facial tumour disease is the biggest threat faced by this species however they also fall victim to vehicle hits. Low genetic diversity is also a concern and it is believed to be a contributing factor in the spread of DFTD. GOALS: • Establish and contribute to conservation efforts of other organisations. • Maintain an insurance population at the sanctuary and participate in recovery and reintroduction efforts. • Support the conservation efforts of organisations with similar goals. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.

Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable SPECIES INFORMATION: The spotted-tailed quoll is about the size of a domestic cat but has shorter legs and a more pointed face than a cat. Its fur is rich red to dark brown and covered with white spots on the back which continue down the tail. The spotted tail distinguishes it from all other Australian mammals, including other quoll species. However, the spots may be indistinct on young animals. The average weight of an adult male is about 3.5 kilograms and an adult female about 2 kilograms. THREATS: In many cases, quolls are living in isolated areas that may be too small to support viable long-term populations. This reduction in distribution and population has been caused by loss, fragmentation and degradation of suitable quoll habitat through land clearing, change in fire patterns and logging, foxes and cats which prey on quolls and also compete with them for food and persecution by humans, who have often blamed quolls for the loss of stock and poultry GOALS: • Support the NSW Government initiative, The Quollidor Project which has been established under the NSW Saving our Species program to improve the monitoring of quolls in the Barren Grounds-Budderoo region. • Plan and build a quoll breeding and housing facility at the sanctuary. • Partner with other institutions working towards the conservation and breeding programs of this species. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.

Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable SPECIES INFORMATION: The Yellow-bellied Glider is a large, active, sociable and vocal glider. Adults weigh 450 - 700 grams, have a head and body length of about 30 cm and a large bushy tail that is about 45 cm long. It has grey to brown fur above with a cream to yellow belly, which is paler in young animals. The dark stripe down the back is characteristic of the group. It has a large gliding membrane that extends from the wrist to the ankle. It has a loud, distinctive call, beginning with a high-pitched shriek and subsiding into a throaty rattle. THREATS: Habitat loss and fragmentation due to timber-harvesting, agriculture and dwellings are the main threats to this species. Due to past forest management there is a current dearth of available live hollow-bearing trees within yellow-bellied glider habitats. Introduced predators, cat and fox, are a threat of unknown magnitude. The disjunct nature of the glider populations makes them susceptible to local extinctions mainly as a result of habitat degradation and climate change. GOALS: • Establish a breeding program of this species to provide insurance that the species doesn’t disappear. • Participate and support any recovery efforts in particular the Save our Species Program. • Partner with other institutions working towards the conservation of and undertaking breeding programs of this species. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.

Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable SPECIES INFORMATION: Adult long-nosed potoroos weigh up to 1.6 kg (740 - 1640 grams) and have a head and body length of about 360 mm and a tail length between 200 - 260 mm. Its fur is greyish-brown above and light grey below. It is distinguished from the slightly larger, but very similar long-footed potoroo in several subtle ways including its shorter tail (less than 250 mm long) and smaller hind-foot (shorter than its head). Also, unlike the long-footed potoroo the long-nosed potoroo lacks a leathery pad on the sole of its foot, just behind the inner toe (a hallucal pad). THREATS: • This species is at threat from Habitat loss and fragmentation from land clearing for residential and agricultural development, predation from foxes, wild dogs and cats, too frequent fires or grazing by stock that reduce the density and floristic diversity of understorey vegetation, logging or other disturbances that reduce the availability and abundance food resources, particularly hypogeous fungi, and ground cover, unplanned clearing in areas where the species occurs on private property is likely to degrade the species' habitat, removal of wild dogs and dingoes potentially exposes potoroos to other threats (competition from other species of wallaby / fox predation) due to removal of top order predator. GOALS: • Establish a breeding colony at the sanctuary and participate in recovery and reintroduction efforts. • Partner with and support the conservation efforts of organisations with similar goals. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.

Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable SPECIES INFORMATION: Bilbies are shy, nocturnal creatures native to Australia’s desert regions. The Greater Bilby has a distinctive white-tipped tail, long and highly sensitive ears and a pointed snout. They are nocturnal animals and spend their nights digging burrows or searching for plant bulbs, seeds or insects to eat. THREATS: It is estimated that there are between 400 and 600 Greater Bilbies remaining in the wild in Queensland. This population is scattered over 100,000sq km in far western Queensland and is the most threatened population of bilbies in Australia. They face ongoing threats from feral cats, foxes, rabbits and habitat change. GOALS: • Support the Save The Bilby Fund through on-going fundraising and awareness. • Design and construct a purpose-built Bilby breeding facility with optimal nocturnal display facilities and suitable off display enclosures for nurturing the young. • Maintain a population of this species • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media. •

Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale penicillate) CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby has a distinctively brushy tail as their name suggests. They are a medium sized wallaby with the adults ranging from six to eight kilograms. Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies are very agile, moving confidently and swiftly around their rocky habitat using their long, thickly furred tail for balance and padded feet for grip. They have very distinctive facial markings with a white cheek stripe and a black stripe from the eye to the back of the head. Their brown bodies, grey shoulders and dark feet allow them to camouflage well in their habitat so they are often hard to spot. THREATS: The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is listed as vulnerable nationally. Threats include hunting, predation, habitat loss and competition with other species, all of which is contributing to loss of genetic diversity. Suitable habitat is becoming less and less due to the clearing of native vegetation, exotic plant invasion and altered fire regimes. Add to this is the pressure from introduced predators such as the fox as well as competition with feral goats, sheep and rabbits. In the past Brush-tailed Rockwallabies were considered pests and were in fact hunted for their skins. This contributed to a massive decline in numbers. GOALS: • Support the efforts of the Friends of the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby organisation in their efforts in achieving a self-sustained Shoalhaven population. • Establish a breeding colony at the sanctuary and participate in recovery and reintroduction efforts. • Partner with and support the conservation efforts of organisations with similar goals. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.

Bargo Geebung (Persoonia bargoensis) CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: The Bargo Geebung is an erect, bushy shrub, the height of which varies between 60 cm and 2.5 m. It has slender branches with a light covering of brownish hairs on the new growth. The small, thin leaves have a lighter green lower surface. They are linear-lanceolate to lanceolate in shape, 0.8-2.4cm long and 1 - 2.3mm wide. Leaves are typically glabrous (sometimes hairy on new growth). Its yellow tubular flowers appear mainly in summer and are produced on pedicels 3-7mm long in the angles where leaves join the stem (leaf axils) on new growth. Its fruits are pear-shaped, green and pendulous, to 12 mm long. It is superficially similar to the species P. nutans. THREATS: • • The Bargo Geebung is under threat from loss of habitat through clearing for urban and small-rural-lot development, burning for hazard reduction and other unnatural ignitions have increased fire frequency and may threaten the species’ survival, Cinnamon Fungus Phytophthora cinnamomic, damage from grazing/agricultural activities, damage from recreational vehicles and other vehicle use in areas of the species. GOALS: • This species has been assigned to the Site-managed species management stream under the Saving our Species (SoS) program. The sanctuary is one of 3 managed sites under the management strategy. • We will comply with our full support in this strategy. • Initiate or assist in a propagation program of this species • It was identified in the Conservation and Business Management Plan 1992 that this species was located within the sanctuary grounds, we will identify the location of those specimens and ensure management strategy of the Save our Species (SoS) program are continued and conducted with full compliance. • Aim to include this species in any regeneration or plantings at the sanctuary. • Undertake an updated conservation management plan for the sanctuary identifying species.

Parma Wallaby (Macropus parma) CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable SPECIES INFORMATION: A small wallaby, with a head and body length up to 52 cm. Fur is a uniform greyish-brown on the back and shoulders with a dark stripe along the spine ending mid-back. It has a white stripe on the cheek and upper lip and a white belly. When hopping, remains close to the ground in an almost horizontal position with the forearms tucked tightly against the body, and the tail curved upwards in a shallow U-shape. THREATS: • The Parma wallaby is under threat from predation by foxes, domestic and wild dogs/dingos, loss and fragmentation of habitat through clearing and under scrubbing, inappropriate fire regime reducing or degrading habitat, especially as a result of overly frequent or intense fires and regular burning of forest margins, climate change altering habitat and increasing risks associated with fire, removal of the understorey and shrub layer by grazing stock, predation by feral cats and vehicle strike. GOALS: • Establish a breeding colony at the sanctuary and participate in recovery and reintroduction efforts. • Partner with and support the conservation efforts of other organisations with similar goals. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.

White Waratah (Telopea speciosissima “Wirrimbirra White”) CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: The White Waratah was first discovered in 1967, by maintenance men from Nepean Depot of the then Sydney Water Board. When first seen it displayed eight beautiful blooms, five of these were picked, one was taken to Thirlmere Hotel, one to Tahmoor Hotel, one to Queen Victoria Hospital, Picton and the other two to the nurseryman at Nepean Depot. Thistle Harris-Stead heard of the discovery and sought out the discoverer at the Thirlmere Hotel. He refused to divulge the whereabouts of the plant. Thistle later obtained this information from Assistant Forestry Officer, Red Mitchell. Over the next years both Red and Thistle took limited cuttings from the plant and successful strikings were distributed to special interested people. A number were placed at the Sanctuary where they now bloom rather irregularly. THREATS: • The White Waratah is under threat from loss of habitat through clearing for urban and small-rural-lot development, damage from grazing/agricultural activities, damage from recreational vehicles and other vehicle use in areas. GOALS: • Establish location register of wild specimens and protect where possible • Initiate a propagation program for this species at the sanctuary. • Locate the specimens at the sanctuary and put in place management policy for the protection of such species. • Promote the White Waratah as a matter of heritage of the sanctuary and provide this species for purchase in the nursery. • Continue to promote awareness of the history and connection of the White Waratah with the sanctuary and the tremendous efforts of the sanctuary founder Thistle Harris regarding the propagation of this species.

Southern hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat is one of three species of wombat, it can grow to a length of 75-100cm with a height of 25-35cm and can weigh as much as 32kg. Don't let appearance fool you, these guys are very alert and when disturbed can reach speeds of 40km an hour. Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats are generally solitary creatures; however they live in complex tunnel systems which are known to hold between 5 and 10 wombats, generally not all individuals are present at the same time. Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats use their burrow systems to beat the harsh heat of the day and can conserve energy while in a burrow by maintaining a low body temperature and slowing its breathing and heart rate. THREATS: • This species is a threat from the small population size, isolation, and proximity to agricultural areas and roads makes this species vulnerable to rapid local declines, grazing by rabbits and domestic stock reduces food. Pasture composition is critical to recruitment, potentially causing high infant mortality if degraded. GOALS: • Maintain a pair of this species at the sanctuary. • Plan and build a purpose-built housing facility for this species. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media. • Participate and contribute to any research or recovery programs of the species.

Bush-stone Curlew (Burhinus grallarius) CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: The bush stone-curlew is one of NSW's most recognisable woodland bird species, with its gangly legs and large yellow eyes. It has a grey to light-brown back, marked with black blotches, buff and white underparts with dark streaks and a black band that runs from near its eye down to its neck. It is around 55 centimetres tall. The bush stone-curlew inhabits open forests and grassy woodlands. It is found in all states, except for Tasmania, and numbers have drastically declined in south-eastern parts of Australia. If you see one of these birds, count yourself lucky. THREATS: Threats to the bush stone-curlew include predation by foxes and cats, trampling of eggs by cattle, clearance of woodland habitat for agricultural and residential development, modification and destruction of ground habitat through removal of litter and fallen timber, introduction of exotic pasture grasses, grazing and frequent fires disturbance in the vicinity of nest sites. Numbers have declined greatly over the last century. The bush stone-curlew is now endangered in NSW, and experts worry that in 10 or 20 years it will be too late to prevent the species from becoming extinct. GOALS: • Establish a breeding program of this species to provide insurance that the species doesn’t disappear in NSW. • Participate and support any recovery efforts. • Partner with other institutions working towards the conservation of and undertaking breeding programs of this species. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.

Brown Pomaderris (Pomaderris brunnea) CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: Brown Pomaderris is a shrub to 3 m tall that has distinctively hairy stems. The stem-hairs comprise long brownish hairs above a thick white hairy under-coat. The leaves are up to 4 cm long and 1.5 cm wide and have toothed margins. The upper leaf surface is hairless; the lower surface is densely hairy like the stem. The leaf veins extend to the margins. The small, yellowish flowers have no petals and form dense clusters at the ends of the branches. Brown Pomaderris is found in a very limited area around the Colo, Nepean and Hawkesbury Rivers, including the Bargo area and near Camden. It also occurs near Walcha on the New England tablelands and in far eastern Gippsland in Victoria. THREATS: • • The Brown Pomaderris is under threat from clearing associated with rural residential subdivision, threatened by too frequent burning because of proximity to residential development, forestry activities such as logging, burning and roads, trampling by people walking through the sanctuary, Illegal rubbish and car dumping, weed invasion (e.g. African lovegrass) and canopy thickening in areas of the southern Cumberland Plain, deer grazing causes pugging and erosion, and promotes weed invasion and grazing by cattle and macropods • GOALS: • This species has been assigned to the Site-managed species management stream under the Saving our Species (SOS) program. The sanctuary is one of 4 managed sites under the management strategy. • Our aim is to comply with our full support in this strategy. • We plan to initiate or assist in a propagation program of this species • It was identified in the Conservation and Business Management Plan 1992 that this species was located within the sanctuary grounds, we will identify the location of these specimens and ensure management strategy of the Save our Species (SoS) program are continued and conducted with full compliance. • Aim to include this species in any regeneration or plantings at the sanctuary. • Undertake an updated conservation management plan for the sanctuary identifying species.

Brush-tailed Bettong (Bettongia penicillata) CONSERVATION STATUS: Critically Endangered SPECIES INFORMATION: The Brush-tailed Bettong is a small potoroid marsupial which once occupied most of the Australian mainland. Two subspecies have been described, Bettongia penicillata ogilbyi (often referred to as Woylie) and the now extinct Bettongia penicillata penicillata (Brush-tailed Bettong). The Brush-tailed Bettong (south-east mainland) was grey-brown in colour with pale yellowish-grey undersides. The sides of the face and the bases of the ears had a reddish tinge. The base of the long tail was also grey-brown and the last two-thirds were dark brown to black above. The tail had a crested tip. Males and females were similar in appearance and no geographic variation has been reported. THREATS: The decline of the Brush-tailed Bettong appears to have been caused by a number of factors, including the impact of introduced grazing animals, land clearance for agriculture, predation by introduced red foxes, and possibly changed fire regimes. GOALS: • Establish a breeding colony at the sanctuary and participate in recovery and reintroduction efforts. • Partner with and support the conservation efforts of organisations with similar goals. • Continue to educate and gain awareness for this endangered species through education programs, interpretation and social media.