Truffle-eating marsupial on ‘brink of extinction’
by Lisa Cox from Environment | The Guardian on (#5S8H8)
Population of northern bettongs in Queensland thought to number 1,000 found to be no more than 50, researchers say
One of only two remaining populations of an ecosystem engineer" truffle-eating marsupial found in Queensland is much smaller than originally thought and could be declining further, according to new research.
Scientists studying northern bettongs on the Mount Carbine Tableland in north-eastern Queensland have estimated the number of animals in that location is fewer than 50, sparking concerns about the viability of that population, even in the short term.
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