Numbat Predator Control and Welfare in Exclosures

Numbats surviving only in fenced predator-free exclosures face welfare challenges from the management interventions required to maintain those safe havens.

Key Facts

Wild numbat populations outside fenced exclosures are functionally unsustainable
AWC fenced sanctuaries now hold significant numbat populations
Fox and cat control operations within buffer zones involve poisoning
Numbat individuals within exclosures require health monitoring and genetic management
Climate change is drying southwestern Australia creating additional habitat stress

Welfare Considerations

Poisoning operations targeting foxes and cats near exclosure boundaries cause non-target mortality including native animals. Genetic management requires regular trapping and handling of wild numbats causing acute stress. Health interventions for disease involve capture and treatment of wild animals. Climate-driven drought stresses individual animals within exclosures when termite prey becomes scarce during dry periods. Infrastructure maintenance operations cause periodic disturbance.

What You Can Do

Donate to Australian Wildlife Conservancy numbat exclosure programs
Support fenced reserve expansion allowing more individual numbats to live wild
Advocate for climate action protecting southwestern Australian woodland ecosystems
Engage with WA government on predator management strategy
Support community monitoring programs around numbat exclosure boundaries