Mulligans Flat Board of Management chair Prof Tony Peacock said the recent arrivals from Tasmania will be protected from foxes and feral cats by a predator exclusion fence, installed in June 2009 by the ACT Government.

“These predators and land clearing were the major reasons why this once abundant rat-kangaroo was lost from the south-east Australian mainland and are now confined to Tasmania,” he said.

The two metre high predator-proof fence encloses 485 hectares of the Mulligans Flat reserve. The project, in conjunction with the Australian National University, was designed to protect the woodland, create an environment free of feral pests and allow for the reintroduction of animals that have long disappeared from the area. The reserve also contains the biggest managed area of Yellow Box–Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland in Australia.

“The purpose of the Sanctuary is to support ecological research into restoration of grassy box gum woodlands and to inspire visitors to greater appreciation of natural environments – especially woodlands – through education, recreation and other activities,” Prof Peacock said.

“In the future, the hope is that these bettongs will provide the founders for the recolonisation of woodland throughout their former range.”

A Friends of Mulligans Flat group is a community group that has opportunities for the public to participate in activities that assist the Sanctuary’s monitoring, education and research programs.

More information at http://www.mulligansflat.org.au/