Eight short-beaked echidnas were successfully bred and reared to independence at Perth Zoo between 2007 and 2012. Detailed information was gathered on the development of the young during nursery burrow life and weaning through to 2 years of age, filling important knowledge gaps in this species. Our study provides insights to support the rearing of orphaned wild echidnas for rehabilitation as well as a foundation of knowledge to support development of similar important wildlife breeding programs. Photograph by Arthur Ferguson.

Kowaris (Dasyuroides byrnei) were monitored, as part of a program to improve habitat condition, through the control of stock. The population initially responded positively but a boom in both competitors and predators occurred during the study and the kowari population declined to the point where it was no longer detectable. Drawing by Tom Mumbray.

Populations of the endangered western saw-shelled turtle lack juvenile recruitment, most likely due to nest depredation by foxes. We optimised egg incubation techniques to achieve a 97% hatching success rate. The artificial incubation of western saw-shelled turtle eggs bypasses fox predation and provides an effective way to produce hatchling turtles for augmenting wild populations. Photograph by David Waugh.