Sunset Frog (Spicospina flammocaerulea). Photo: Perth Zoo

Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus). Photo: Perth Zoo.

Located behind-the-scenes at Perth Zoo, Perth Zoo’s Native Species Breeding Program (NSBP) is the central focus for many of Western Australia’s captive breeding and research projects for Western Australian threatened fauna.

The primary goal of the NSBP is to support Western Australian Threatened Species Recovery Plans by breeding animals for release and through conducting scientific research into the reproduction and other aspects of the biology of threatened fauna.

In partnership with the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth Zoo has bred the threatened species of Numbats, Dibblers, Chuditch, Woylies, Wesetrn Swamp Tortoise and native frogs for release into the wild.

Up to 2011, over 2000 native Western Australian animals have been bred by Perth Zoo for release into the wild.  This has involved high levels of scientific research, specialist breeding and husbandry skills.  Over this time, research has been carried out into the physiological specialisations, reproductive biology, behaviour and genetics of these threatened species.  This has occurred in partnership with the university sector.

To find out more about Perth Zoo’s conservation work visit: www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/conservation/