Marna Banggara means "healthy, prosperous country," and it's the fitting name of an ambitious rewilding project on Narungga Country, Yorke Peninsula. The project is reintroducing the Yalgi, or brush-tailed bettong, which was once widespread across the region. In this episode, we sit down with Chloe Frick, a PhD candidate whose research focuses on the reintroduction of these vital ecosystem engineers. Chloe shares with us the ecosystem benefits of the Yalgi's reintroduction and the innovative methods used in the Marna Banggara project. We also explore the challenges faced during the process as Yalgi behaviour can be a little unpredictable. Despite the challenges, the project is a standout example of a successful animal reintroduction. Tune in to learn about the future of the Marna Banggara project and the promising potential for the Yalgi to thrive in diverse landscapes. And if you ever decide to visit, remember to drive slowly to protect these incredible creatures.

Marna Banggara is jointly funded by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, the Australian Government, the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, WWF-Australia, and Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, in partnership with the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

You can follow Chloe on Instagram @chloe_frick. For more info on the Marna Banggara project check out marnabanggara.com.au

CREDITS

Host: Adam Toomes

Producers: Adam Toomes and Kiri Marker

Copywriting and distribution: Jacob Maher

Music: Darcy Whittaker