PUBLIC LECTURE: UWA Albany Skywest Lecture

Late in 1994, to the great excitement of the Western Australian community, Gilbert’s potoroo, believed extinct by 1906, was rediscovered near Albany. Fewer than 40 individuals survived, in dense scrub on the rugged Mount Gardner headland. A conservation program commenced immediately, aimed at bringing this fungivorous marsupial back from the brink. Seventeen years later there are three populations and close to 100 animals known. Dr Tony Friend traces this story and examines how collaboration between government agencies and the Albany community continues to contribute to this success.