Critically endangered central rock rat found at Narwietooma and Glen Helen cattle stations in Northern Territory

  • 📰 abcnews
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 54 sec. here
  • 11 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 56%
  • Publisher: 83%

Conservation News

Central Rock Rat,Critically Endangered Species,Hewitt Foods

The habitat of the critically endangered central rock rat was thought to have shrunk to 'a speck on the map' but now it's been found at two new Northern Territory sites — and researchers say there may be more populations out there.

One of Australia's rarest mammals has been sighted on a remote Northern Territory cattle station.Surveys will be conducted, with hopes that more populations of the "small, cryptic" creatures will be found.has been seen at Narwietooma and Glen Helen stations in central Australia, more than 100 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs.

"Once it's sunk in that, 'yes, we've got it', that's when the excitement kicks in and you go, 'wow'."Before this discovery, the central rock rat was only known to live in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, which borders Narwietooma and Glen Helen to the south. Mr Appleby said the species was an important find because it was one of 20 mammals listed under the Commonwealth threatened species strategy."This is sort of it for the central rock rat, in terms of its survival."and consequential grass growth are thought to have helped the rock rat population thrive, making for ideal timing to find the rare species."That's why the focus on feral cat management is the highest priority ," he said.

“Hewitt recognises the importance of responsible stewardship of the land, especially as it relates to biodiversity and ecosystems," he said."There's great opportunities on agricultural land to get some biodiversity conservation and natural capital benefits," he said.

Central Rock Rat Critically Endangered Species Hewitt Foods Bush Heritage Australia Narwietooma Glen Helen Derwent Napperby Hewitt Cattle Company

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 5. in AU

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Northern Territory police investigating after man's body is found near Devils MarblesPolice said the body, which was found on the side of the Stuart Highway about 25 kilometres north of Devils Marbles, had likely been there for five days before it was discovered.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Advisory committee to consider declaring buffel grass a weed in Northern TerritoryBuffel grass is valued as a form of cattle feed, but others say it poses unacceptable threats to the environment. In the coming months, a committee will rule on whether or not it should be declared a weed.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Manganese bulk carrier smashes into remote Northern Territory port during Cyclone MeganCyclonic winds and rough seas have caused a bulk carrier to smash into a remote port in the Northern Territory, putting a manganese mine's future in doubt.
Source: abcnews - 🏆 5. / 83 Read more »

Tropical Cyclone Megan rain and winds hit Northern Territory coast7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Source: 7NewsSydney - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »

Tropical Cyclone Megan forms ahead of Northern Territory crossing as BOM reveals predicted track7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Source: 7NewsSydney - 🏆 16. / 63 Read more »

Locals warned as Tropical Cyclone bears down on Northern TerritoryNorthern Territory residents living near the Gulf of Carpentaria are being warned to make preparations as Tropical Cyclone Megan looks set to make landfall as a category three storm on Monday.
Source: SkyNewsAust - 🏆 7. / 78 Read more »