Scientists reintroduce truffle-eating marsupials to Dirk Hartog Island

Feral cats eliminated 11 native species from Dirk Hartog Island in Shark Bay, Australia.

Scientists are reintroducing two endangered marsupials—boodies (burrowing bettong) and woylies (brush-tailed bettong)—to restore the island's ecosystem.

A study from Edith Cowan University used DNA analysis to identify fungi that boodies and woylies eat, confirming these food resources exist on Dirk Hartog Island.

The marsupials spread fungal spores and turn over soil as they dig for food, which benefits plant health and ecosystem dynamics.

After removal of livestock and feral cats (present since the 1860s), the island is being restored with the reintroduction of boodies and woylies.