From rediscovery towards recovery: a recent history of Australia’s most critically endangered marsupial, Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii)

Context Ngilgaitch/Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) was presumed extinct until its rediscovery at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Australia, in 1994. Aims Our paper summarises the history and rediscovery of Ngilgaitch/Gilbert’s potoroo, outlines the diverse research conducted to inform recovery, describes key management actions, and documents the fluctuating fortunes of the species between 1994 and 2024. Methods We summarise research and management actions to promote the species’ recovery at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and nearby reserves. Key results About 40 Ngilgaitch/Gilbert’s potoroo survived in heathland on the slopes of Maardjitup Gurlin/Mount Gardner, feeding almost exclusively on the fruiting bodies of hypogeal fungi. Two ‘insurance’ populations were established between 2005 and 2014 by translocation from the original population to Bald Island (810 ha) and a mainland enclosure (380 ha). These colonies proved critical to the species’ survival when a wildfire consumed most of the habitat at Two Peoples Bay in November 2015, causing the functional extinction of the population. Efforts have begun to restore this population through translocation from the insurance populations. Conclusion Establishing new potoroo populations by translocation has been the most valuable recovery technique for this species. Current and predicted climate change must be considered when choosing translocation sites. Management of all populations requires effective fire management, feral predator control, and actions derived from genetic information. Implications The Two Peoples Bay potoroo population was effectively lost following the 2015 fire. However, the regenerating habitat at the site remains an important resource in efforts to ensure the survival of the species.