Karakamia Sanctuary - Wildlife
Short-beaked Echidna – Karakamia Sanctuary
Karakamia Sanctuary was first surveyed in 1991, and a diverse flora and fauna of birds, reptiles and amphibians was discovered. However, much of the local mammal fauna had declined or been lost, probably due to the impact of foxes and feral cats. Over 10 years of biannual surveys by AWC have provided a good understanding of changes in distribution and abundance over time.
Karakamia Sanctuary is home to a number of significant species such as the forest sub-species of the Red-tailed Black-cockatoo, after which the sanctuary is named.
When first assessed the mammal fauna at Karakamia Sanctuary included the Echidna, Western Grey Kangaroo, Common Brushtail Possum, and Western Brush Wallaby. However a host of mammals that had once occurred in the region were ‘missing’ and a management priority was to return these species. Six species have now been reintroduced to Karakamia Sanctuary, including the Brush-tailed Bettong (Woylie), Southern Brown Bandicoot (Quenda), Tammar Wallaby, Quokka, Numbat and Western Ringtail Possum.
In addition, a number of species have benefited from predator control, including the Western Pygmy-possum, Mardo (Yellow-footed Antechinus) and Chuditch (Western Quoll), that have subsequently recolonised the sanctuary. Brushtail Possums and Western Brush Wallabies have also increased substantially.
Karakamia Sanctuary provides a powerful example of what can be achieved if feral predators are eradicated. Not only has a substantial area of bushland enjoyed the restoration of its mammal fauna, but the sanctuary is also providing animals to restock other areas from where these species have become extinct.