Uncommon in an unexpectedly common place!

[rdm]

The Quenda (or Southern Brown Bandicoot, Isoodon obesulus) is a small marsupial of the South-West of Western Australia, and other pockets around the coast of Australia.

Under threat from clearing and feral animals (due to both predation and competition for food), it was very unexpected to see one on the edge of the CBD, in Queen Victoria Gardens in Claisebrook. It was even more unexpected to see it in the middle of the day, right next to the main walk-path! 

They are listed as Endangered in Australia.

 

Comments

[shirebound]

Oh my, what an interesting animal! I'd never heard of a quenda before.

how cute!

[beachglass]

love this photo. very special :)

[redbird]

That is very cool. Thanks.

[veritas_poet]

Australia has the coolest creatures!

[nanila]

What a thrilling occurrence! I'm glad you had the presence of mind to snap a portrait, and thank you for sharing it here. :)

[shadowycat]

It's cute little creature. You got a great shot of it! Thanks for sharing it with us! :D

[turlough]

What a cutie! And what a fantastic photo!

[rydra_wong]

What a delightful and alert face!

[yourlibrarian]

I don't think I've ever heard of a quenda before either -- neat!

[blackmare]

That is adorable! <3

[3rdragon]

Do you have any local citizen science efforts that might be interested in a documented sighting? I've seen Australia photos on iNaturalist, but since I'm not very good at identifying your flora and fauna, I haven't bothered to figure out if there's a strong Aussie iNaturalist community, or just occasional pictures.

[rdm]

The city council is collecting sightings, and have been informed - they were quite excited, and will be using my shot in some of their material!

As far as citizen science efforts, most of them centre around the Zooniverse environment, with things like Western Shield - https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/birgus2/western-shield-camera-watch/home - which seems pretty active.