Meet the face of Mulligans Flat

Photograph by Stephen Corey

Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is a lot of things to a lot of people: cultural hub, eco-tourist destination, outdoor laboratory, gigantic kid’s playground, nature walk oasis. It is part of Ngunnawal Country, the site of a songline, and is cared for by local First Nations people using crucial land care methods such as cultural burns.

To the wildlife that call it home, Mulligans Flat is their best chance of recovery.

Not only is the sanctuary one of few remaining local nesting habitats for the vulnerable Superb Parrot, and the largest remaining area of Yellow Box and Blakeley’s Red Gum grassy woodland. It is also the site of multiple successful reintroductions of endangered and locally extinct species.

An Ecosystem Engineer

Named balbo in Ngunnawal, the Eastern Bettong (Bettongia giamardi) is emblematic of successful species reintroduction at Mulligans Flat.

Bettongs were extinct on mainland Australia for almost a century when the project - a team effort between Tasmanian Park Service, ANU and Tidbinbilla - kicked off in 2011. Through this partnership, in 2012 the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust was able to translocate 35 individuals who quickly formed the basis of a booming bettong population within the sanctuary.

The Eastern Bettong was chosen for reintroduction in part because of the essential role they play in their environment. Bettongs are “ecosystem engineers”; they transform a landscape simply by living in it. They dig, eat, nest, and in so doing, they promote plan regeneration and rejuvenate the soils that underpin the entire woodland ecosystem.

This species’ success in Mulligans Flat provides proof of concept that sufficient measures, funding, and teamwork can turn the tide on extinction.

By excluding feral predators with a predator-proof fence and actively researching and implementing the best methods of reintroduction and conservation, Mulligans Flat champions Australian wildlife and restoration, all right on Canberra’s doorstep.

As of 2021 there are over 100 bettongs living in Mulligans Flat. They can be seen bouncing through the sanctuary on their powerful hind legs by casual walkers and tour-goers alike. Hand-raised Ambassador Bettongs can even be met face-to-face at our popular Meet A Bettong sessions - visit www dot mulligans flat dot org dot au to book in.