THE SEARCH: FOR THE NUMBAT | ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S RARE MARSUPIALS

In this video, we set out in search of one of Australia's lesser known and rarest marsupials; the Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus). Numbats (also known as banded anteaters) feed exclusively on termites and thus require a very specific environment to live in. Numbats live in eucalypt woodlands where old fallen trees/branches provide hollows for not only shelter from predators but also as foraging resources. As the presence of numbats is primarily determined on the presence of termites, they are extremely sensitive to the impacts of logging and vegetation clearing which is driving this species to extinction. In the past, Numbats used to be found across all of southern Australia and even the NT but due to habitat loss, the species is now confined to two isolated natural populations, Dryandra Woodland being one of them. You can see in the video how Dryandra Woodland is surrounded by vast farmland which the main reason for the loss of Numbat habitat. Today, there is estimated to be less than 1000 Numbats in the wild which shows just how lucky we were to encounter not only 1 but 3 Numbats on our trip. I hope you enjoy the video and appreciate this amazing species.