Environment Minister Albert Jacob (white shirt) and Mayor Troy Pickard help release a quenda. d407158
Camera IconEnvironment Minister Albert Jacob (white shirt) and Mayor Troy Pickard help release a quenda. d407158 Credit: Supplied/Emma Reeves

New homes for natives

Tyler Brown, Joondalup WeekenderWanneroo Times

The fenced 50ha area is now home to more than 40 of the native mammals released as part of a Department of Parks and Wildlife relocation program in Perth to help protect their future.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said the department moved about 60 quenda each year into suburban bushland, with some coming from healthy populations and others in need of a new home.

‘All the animals released into Craigie bushland are microchipped and will be trapped and monitored over the coming years to determine how well they are doing and whether they are breeding successfully,’ he said.

‘The quenda is often the last native mammal remaining in many urban reserves on the Swan Coastal Plain, so it is vital that conservation work and research continues to ensure this species is protected.’

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Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said the release of more than 40 quenda into Craigie Open Space reinforced the City’s decision to erect a ‘feral-proof fence to prevent predation from foxes and cats’.

He said the City encouraged people to keep their dogs on a leash to protect the flora and fauna in the area.