Northern Bettong, Bettongia tropica

Problem:
Northern Bettongs were once widely distributed. Today, they are known only from four locations between Mt Windsor Tableland and Paluma, a total north-south spread of 340km.  Bettongs are threatened by changes in land use, particularly frequency of burning, and predation by dogs, foxes and cats.

Background Information:
Northern Bettongs depend on underground truffles (fungus balls).  Their unusual feeding behaviour contributes to the health of forest communities. If this endangered marsupial disappears, the vitality of the whole ecosystem changes … not necessarily for the better.

Research:
James Cook University research has revealed a close association between Northern Bettongs and underground truffles, which they locate by smell, then dig up and eat.  The truffle package includes indigestible spores that are spread throughout the woodland in the bettongs' droppings.  Truffles benefit trees by increasing their ability to absorb nutrients and water.  In return, trees provide sugars necessary to truffle growth.

Solution:
Increase known populations by managing habitat.  Translocate and relocate bettongs to suitable habitat.  Establish best firing practice.  Monitor predators.

The next species is the Julia Creek Dunnart