Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife, creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Among them is the numbat, a small, striped marsupial with a long, sticky tongue and a deep dependence on eucalyptus woodlands. Once common across the southern half of the continent, numbats are now critically endangered. Today, fewer than 1,000 are left in the wild.
Efforts to protect them have intensified over the last two decades, but challenges persist. If you have ever wondered what makes this animal worth saving—or what numbat conservation in Australia really involves—this guide offers a closer look at the species, its struggles, and the steps being taken to bring it back from the edge.
“When we protect even the smallest species, we protect the entire ecosystem they call home.”
What Is a Numbat?
The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a small, termite-eating marsupial found only in Australia. It is instantly recognisable by its reddish-brown coat, white stripes across its back, and long bushy tail. Unlike many marsupials, it is active during the day, foraging for thousands of termites with its sharp claws and specially adapted tongue.
Numbats are solitary and highly territorial. They do not dig their burrows but use hollow logs for shelter. They rely on healthy, undisturbed bushland and a steady supply of termites—up to 20,000 per day.
Unfortunately, the same qualities that make them special also make them vulnerable.
Why Are Numbats Endangered?
Once found across large parts of Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales, numbat populations now exist in only two natural habitats—in the Dryandra Woodland and Perup Nature Reserve in Western Australia.
The reasons for their decline include:
- Habitat loss – Clearing of woodlands for agriculture destroyed much of their range
- Invasive predators – Foxes and feral cats pose a constant threat to numbats, especially young ones
- Fragmentation – As forests shrink, isolated populations struggle to survive
- Fire and disease – Frequent fires and threats like Phytophthora dieback impact the native vegetation that numbats depend on
This is why numbat conservation in Australia is not just about protecting an animal—it is about protecting entire ecosystems.
Where Conservation Is Making a Difference
Despite their endangered status, numbats have become a symbol of successful, community-led conservation. A few key projects stand out:
1. Dryandra Woodland
This area is home to one of the last remaining wild populations. It is now protected as a national park and managed in partnership with conservation groups. Predator control and habitat management have improved numbat numbers in this area.
2. Reintroduction Programs
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has reintroduced numbat populations into safe, fenced reserves, such as Mt Gibson and Scotia, in New South Wales. These areas are free of feral predators and are carefully monitored.
3. Predator-Proof Fencing
In areas like Yookamurra and Mallee Cliffs, special fences keep out foxes and cats, giving numbats and other endangered species a chance to recover.
4. GPS Tracking and Research
Collar technology now enables scientists to track numbat movements, map termite-rich zones, and gain a better understanding of breeding behavior.
These successes show that numbat conservation in Australia is not only possible—it is working.
How National Parks and Protected Areas Help
Numbats thrive where native woodlands are left undisturbed. Western Australia’s protected areas—like Dryandra and parts of the Wheatbelt—offer safe zones for long-term recovery. You can learn more about these places in our guide to Western Australia’s national parks.
Conservationists are also working to restore degraded forests, replant native flora, and limit the spread of invasive species and fungal diseases.
How You Can Support Numbat Conservation
Even if you never see a numbat in the wild, your choices as a traveler or nature-lover can help. Here is how:
- Visit conservation parks responsibly – Follow trail rules, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support eco-certified tourism
- Donate or volunteer – Support organisations like the Australian Wildlife Conservancy or local rewilding groups
- Learn about native species – Understanding helps build empathy and drive action
- Choose eco holidays – Explore our eco holidays guide to find travel options that align with conservation goals
You can also help spread awareness. The more people know about this unique marsupial, the more support it will receive.
Why the Numbat Matters
Saving the numbat is about more than protecting a single species. Numbats are an indicator of forest health. Where they thrive, ecosystems are generally well balanced—termite populations are controlled, vegetation is stable, and invasive predators are limited.
Letting this animal vanish would mean losing a piece of Australia’s natural heritage—and a sign that the land itself is in trouble.
The Future of Numbat Conservation in Australia
The road ahead for the numbat remains challenging, but also hopeful. Conservationists, land managers, and Indigenous communities are now working more closely than ever to build resilient ecosystems where numbats can thrive.
Here is what the future holds:
- Expanding safe zones: More predator-free reserves and wildlife corridors are being planned to reconnect isolated populations.
- Breeding and release programs: Captive breeding initiatives are expanding, particularly at Perth Zoo and managed reserves, with a focus on maintaining genetic diversity.
- Fire-sensitive land management: Controlled burns and Indigenous-led fire practices are being used to create safer, termite-rich habitats.
- Citizen science: Everyday Australians are joining spotting programs, using camera traps and GPS apps to help researchers monitor the presence of numbats.
- Cross-species strategies: Numbat protection overlaps with efforts to save bilbies, bettongs, and other endangered marsupials, making every action more impactful.
In the years to come, numbat conservation may serve as a blueprint for saving other species from the brink. And that is something worth supporting.
Final Thoughts
Numbat conservation in Australia is a quiet but powerful story. It is a reminder that even small, shy animals deserve a place in the world—and that thoughtful, local conservation can reverse even decades of damage.
The numbat does not ask for much. It just needs space, termites, and safety from predators. By protecting this one species, we protect hundreds of others that share its habitat. In saving the numbat, we save a part of Australia itself.
