Why They’re Still in Danger | Gilbert’s Potoroo - Chapter IV

Описание: Chapter IV -  🔥 On the Brink

In 2015, fire tore through Two Peoples Bay, destroying 90% of the last natural habitat of Gilbert’s Potoroo.

The loss of the Two Peoples Bay population due to a catastrophic fire had been a major concern ever since the rediscovery so insurance populations had already been established by Parks and Wildlfe WA on Bald Island and in a 380 ha fenced enclosure at Waychinicup National Park.

This forethought and preparatory action saved the species from almost certain extinction.

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About this episode:

After rediscovery, conservationists worked tirelessly to project Gilbert’s Potoroo. But in 2015 disaster struck: fire swept through Two Peoples Bay, almost destroying the population there.

Thanks to earlier protective action, small populations were already established as insurance on Bald Island and in a secure enclosure at Waychinicup National Park - lifelines that prevented the species’ extinction in 2015 and keep the species alive today. An additional insurance population was created on Middle Island in 2018.

Quick facts:

🔥 2015 fire destroyed ~90% of natural habitat at Two Peoples Bay.
🏝️ Insurance populations had already been created on Bald Island and at the Waychinicup enclosure. An additional population was created on Middle Island after the fire.
⏳ Global population: fewer than 150 individuals.

About the project:

This video is part of a collaboration with ‪@PotorooOrg‬ and ‪@southcoastnrm‬ working together with ‪@DBCAWA‬ to protect Australia’s most endangered marsupial.

Produced, Filmed & Edited: Javier Delgado Esteban.

Narration: Matilda Johnson.

Score Composition: Javier Delgado Esteban. IV - Still in Danger. 2025.

Stock Images: Envato Australia and Wirestock. Gilbert ́s Potoroo courtesy of Dick Walker/GPAG. Potoroo release video at Two Peoples Bay courtesy of Leigh Whisson - Gilbert’s Potoroo Action Group.

With Gratitude

Dr Elizabeth Sinclair - UWA Oceans Institute
Dr Bronte Van Helden - South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc.
Dr Jackie Courtenay - Gilbert's Potoroo Action Group Inc.
Dr Sarah Comer - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Dr Tony Friend - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Steve Toole - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Jennene Riggs - Riggs Australia Media

We acknowledge the Menang Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of Two Peoples Bay and its surrounding lands and waters.

We recognise their deep cultural, spiritual and ongoing connection to Country, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Filmed under Regulation 4 authority permit on location at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and Waychinicup National Park.

This video was jointly funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and South Coast NRM, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel and the Gilberts Potoroo Action Group (GPAG).