The group at the opening of the Nungatta feral predator-free area in South-East Forest National Park. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
The 2000-hectare Nungatta feral predator-free area in South-East Forest National Park is complete, protecting more than 13 threatened species.
The Minns Labor Government announced the South Coast’s first feral predator-free area on World Environment Day (6 June).
It provides a safe haven for some of NSW’s most vulnerable native species including the eastern pygmy possum, yellow-bellied glider and powerful owl, as well as allows the introduction of up to nine locally extinct mammals.
It features a 25-kilometre-long feral-proof fence and more than 40 remote cameras constantly monitoring the area to detect any potential incursions by feral animals such as feral cats or foxes. It is patrolled at least three times a week, with additional patrols after storms or fires.
It is one of 10 feral predator-free areas established by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the first of its kind on the South Coast. It was chosen from more than 35 potential sites due to its suitable habitat for reintroduced species.
Since September 2024, 79 critically endangered smoky mice have been reintroduced into the area. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
In September 2024 the critically endangered smoky mouse was the first species to be reintroduced into the area. Since then, 79 smoky mice have been released and ecologists recently detected the first juvenile smoky mice known to be born in the area.
The long-footed potoroo, eastern bettong, eastern quoll and New Holland mouse are expected to be reintroduced in coming years.
Feral predator-free areas are a critical tool in preventing further extinctions and promoting the recovery of species most at risk of predation by feral cats and foxes.
Across Australia, feral cats alone are estimated to kill more than 1.5 billion native animals each year.
The program is one of NSW’s most significant threatened species restoration initiatives, and is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and NPWS.
A 25-kilometre feral-proof fence surrounds the 2000-hectare Nungatta feral predator-free area in South-East Forest National Park. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said he was proud to host one of NSW’s 10 feral predator-free areas, the first of its kind on the NSW South Coast.
“It’s wonderful to know this safe area will help bring locally extinct species back to this corner of the state,” Dr Holland said.
NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said the opening of Nungatta demonstrated the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting and restoring the environment, including native animals and their habitat.
“The team at National Parks along with the Saving our Species program has already successfully reintroduced the critically endangered smoky mouse,” Ms Sharpe said. “Nungatta will be a safe haven to even more threatened species.”
The 115,177-hectare national park is located between the Monaro and South Coast regions and features high quality old growth eucalyptus forest and remnant patches of temperate rainforest. It was created in 1997 through the amalgamation of Genoa, Tantawangalo, Bemboka, Yowaka and Coolangubra National Parks.
