Threats to mulgaras
It’s likely that feral cat and fox predation has, in part, caused declines in mulgara populations. Overgrazing by introduced herbivores – cattle, rabbits and camels – has adversely affected their habitat, destroying dunes and reducing the cover of plant species they burrow underneath.
Changed fire regimes have also altered the composition of the vegetation and the abundance of food. Climate change is likely to increase mean temperatures and decrease rainfall. Overall, more research is required to understand the main drivers of mulgara declines.
What’s Bush Heritage doing?
We’re proud to have Brush-tailed Mulgaras in the Birriliburru Indigenous Protected Area, Crest-tailed Mulgaras on Pilungah and possibly both species at Ethabuka in Queensland.
We work with the Traditional Custodians of Birriliburru to control cat and fox numbers, and to reinstate traditional fire regimes, including the use of patch-burning, which helps to reduce the risk of wildfires.
On Pilungah and Ethabuka we protect mulgara habitat by controlling feral animals (removing cattle and feral herbivores and controlling feral predators) and carefully managing fire to maintain good ground cover.
Donate today to help us continue this and other vital conservation work.