Mandurah Wildlife will prioritise ringtail possum rehabilitation and monitoring at its centre in Dawesville this year.
This past season 12 critically endangered ringtail joeys were brought into Mandurah Wildlife, far more than any of their previous seasons over the past 11 years.
"Western ringtail possums are listed as critically endangered and while they are only located in the South-West they have been wiped out in all suburbs north of Dawesville due to their habitats and natural food sources being destroyed by development," Mandurah Wildlife chair Kim Low explained.
"While its very sad to have received 12 orphaned ringtail joeys in this season, it is also a positive sign that their numbers are coming back in Dawesville.
"We are therefore going to build purpose-built facilities at our centre and seek out research funding to be able to track and monitor ringtails once they are released."
Mandurah Wildlife will work closely with Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions to ensure these critically endangered marsupials have the best chance of survival back in the wild.
The organisation also have support from Murdoch University for these plans and will apply to have a biodiversity phd student involved in monitoring.
"We hope to also secure research funding to support this project," Ms Low explained.
"But right now we are appealing to the public to help us build new enclosures onsite."
Mandurah Wildlife will start to get more joeys in to the centre in June.
Young babies will be home cared for up to six months before learning to survive on their own and build strength.
New facilities will be built among onsite peppermint trees to provide natural habitats and enough space to climb, explore and build confidence and strength.
For more information or to assists Mandurah Wildlife visit mandurahwildlife.com.au or email operations@mandurahwildlife.com.au
