Paruna Sanctuary - Wildlife
AWC have commenced documenting the biodiversity of Paruna sanctuary. Biannual surveys for both plants and animals are undertaken and the changes in both distribution and abundance are recorded over time.
Paruna sanctuary is home to a number of significant species such as the Chuditch (Western Quoll) and Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo. The Honey Possum is also present due to the biodiverse heathlands that abound in the valley. However, like many areas of mainland Australia a host of mammals were ‘missing’ and a management priority was to return these species, not just to Paruna sanctuary, but also to the Avon Valley region as a whole.
In collaboration with the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) four species have now been reintroduced to Paruna sanctuary and the greater Avon Valley, including Walyunga and Avon Valley National Parks. Species include the Black-flanked Rock-wallaby, Tammar Wallaby, Brush-tailed Bettong (Woylie), and Southern Brown Bandicoot (Quenda). In addition, the effective control of feral animals, has led to an increase in the number of many native animals, including the Chuditch.