Research at David Fleay Wildlife Park
David Fleay Wildlife Park is rapidly developing its reputation as Queensland's Campus of Excellence for research into threatened species.
Mahogany glider and baby
Photo DERMCaptive breeding programs have resulted in the 'resurrection' of the mahogany glider, a small rainforest marsupial presumed extinct for over 100 years! Now a thriving colony has been bred and plans are being developed to reintroduce the mahogany glider to the wild. A unique aspect of this research and breeding program has been the use of infra-red cameras in each glider pair nesting box. As a result the first ever pictures of courtship, mating, birth and joey rearing have been captured. The glider is shy and nocturnal, but thanks to the pioneering work at the park, we now know much more about its behaviour.
The eastern bristlebird, a small ground-dweller, is another species undergoing intensive study at DFWP. With less than 50 birds left in the wild due to predation and wildfires, the eastern bristlebird could disappear entirely from Queensland without the research and breeding program that is now underway.
The northern bettong is the subject of a captive breeding program, and the park's small colony of koalas is contributing to a large scale reproductive study.
Julia Creek dunnart breeding
and research facility'Planet Dunnart', affectionately named by research staff is the former kiosk for the original Fleay's Fauna Reserve. Here the Julia Creek dunnart is being bred for eventual release back into its native habitat.
Specialised education programs have also been developed to showcase the research facilities at DFWP. Aimed primarily at the senior secondary and tertiary sectors, the Research in Action program offers students a unique glimpse into the challenges involved in rehabilitating or rejuvenating threatened species.
Last updated: 09 October 2006