Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat and Gilbert's Potoroo jockey for top endangered spot
Claims are made on behalf of both the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) and Gilbert's Potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) for the title of Australia's Most Endangered Species.
Both species are reduced to one small and isolated population. Both are vulnerable to extinction through local disasters such as wildfire and both are classified as critically endangered by Australia's Department of Environment and Heritage.
So does it matter which is the most endangered? Not really, according to FAME. What matters is that in both cases a recovery plan is in place and community groups like FAME are working against the clock to save the species.
There are less than 40 Gilbert's Potoroos living in a remote patch of bush in the south-west of Western Australia. FAME is supporting the work of the WA Department of Conservation and Land Management with a breeding programme designed to help the Potoroos increase in number so another colony can be established.
There are around 113 Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombats living in the Epping Forest National Park in central Queensland. The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland is helping the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to save this endangered animal.
Many willing hands are ready to help save Australia's most endangered species - whether they are number one, number two, or even number twenty on the list. But the Wombat and the Potoroo only need two things: time, and money.
Only donations can help us save more wildlife more quickly. Your generous donation may be the difference between survival and extinction for these unique Australian animals.
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