National spotlight on KI dunnart recovery

Published by the National Environmental Science Program on their Adapt Land & Sea platform, the case study examines efforts to support the species following the 2019–20 bushfires, which destroyed more than 90 per cent of its habitat.

Found only on Kangaroo Island, the dunnart was considered at significant risk after the fires. The case study highlights how a coordinated program of monitoring, threat management and on-ground intervention has helped stabilise the species in the years since.

This work has been delivered on Kangaroo Island through a combination of local effort, applied science and collaboration across organisations, with the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board leading long-term monitoring and recovery actions.

A key focus of the case study is the use of artificial refuges—simple, purpose-built structures that provide shelter for small mammals in fire-affected landscapes where natural cover has been lost.

Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Project Officer, Small Mammal Recovery Program, Hannah Byrne-Willey said the approach has helped address one of the biggest challenges facing the species after fire.

“When habitat is removed at that scale, animals like the dunnart are left exposed to predators and extreme conditions,” Ms Byrne-Willey said.

“Artificial refuges are a practical way to provide immediate shelter while the landscape recovers, and they’ve become an important tool in our broader recovery approach.”

The case study also highlights the importance of long-term monitoring, through which KILB has developed one of the most comprehensive datasets for the species.

“This type of monitoring is critical,” Ms Byrne-Willey said.

“It allows us to understand how the species is responding over time and make informed decisions about where to focus effort.”

While the case study documents encouraging signs of persistence in the years following the fires, Ms Byrne-Willey said the full picture is still emerging.

“We’re now moving into a more detailed phase of analysis, looking at trends over the past five to six years,” she said.

“Early indications suggest the story is more complex, with potential changes in population trends influenced by factors like seasonal conditions, predator pressure and the level of active management.”

“This reinforces that recovery isn’t linear, and continued effort is essential.”

The project was supported by WWF-Australia through the Eyes on Recovery program, with additional support from Zoos South Australia.

The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board will continue its monitoring and on-groundwork to support the island’s threatened species in a changing climate and is actively seeking funding to reinstate critical feral cat control.

This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, WWF-Australia through the Eyes on Recovery program, and Zoos South Australia.