Science, Wildlife

Rock rat rediscovered in central Australia

The elusive rock rat, last seen trying to get into a stockman’s lunchbox in 1960, has been rediscovered in central Australia.

One of Australia’s rarest creatures, the critically endangered rat, which was not seen in the area for more than half a century, was found during a survey using remote sensor cameras on the Haasts Bluff Aboriginal land trust west of Alice Springs.

Evidence was also found of the rare black-footed wallaby, which has not been seen in the area since 1991.

The rock rat was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the west MacDonnell ranges in 2002, but finding it in another area that isn’t protected is huge news, Richard Brittingham, regional land management officer with the Central Land Council said.

This species is obviously persisting in other areas outside of national parks, which is an important consideration in long-term conservation — via redwolf.newsvine.com

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