On World Environment Day, the Minns Labor Government is proud to announce the Nungatta feral predator-free area in South-East Forest National Park is now complete, providing a safe-haven for some of NSW’s most vulnerable native species.
Covering 2,000-hectares, the project will protect more than 13 threatened native species such as the eastern pygmy-possum, yellow-bellied glider and powerful owl and allow for the reintroduction of up to nine locally extinct mammals.
A 25-kilometre-long feral-proof fence now surrounds the area, following the completion of works. It is patrolled at least three times a week, with additional patrols after storms or fires.
More than 40 remote cameras are constantly monitoring the area, to detect any potential incursions by feral animals such as feral cats or foxes.
The Minns Labor Government is proud to see the completion of Nungatta, which one of ten feral predator-free areas established by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the first of its kind on the South Coast. It was chosen from more than 35 potential sites due to its suitable habitat for reintroduced species.
The critically endangered smoky mouse became the first species to be reintroduced into the area, in September 2024. Since then, 79 smoky mice have been released and ecologists recently detected the first juvenile smoky mice known to be born in the area.
The long-footed potoroo, eastern bettong, eastern quoll and New Holland mouse are expected to be reintroduced in the coming years.
Feral predator-free areas are a critical tool in preventing further extinctions and promoting the recovery of species most at risk of predation by feral cats and foxes. Across Australia, feral cats alone are estimated to kill more than 1.5 billion native animals every year.
The program represents one of NSW’s most significant threatened species restoration initiatives, and is funded by the NSW Environmental Trust and NPWS.
For more information on feral predator-free areas visit the Feral predator-free areas project web page.
Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:
“The opening of Nungatta demonstrates the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to protecting andrestoring our environment, including native animals and their habitats.
“The team at National Parks along with the Saving our Species program has already successfully reintroduced the critically endangered smoky mouse, and with the fence now complete, Nungatta will be a safe haven to even more threatened species.”
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:
“We are proud to host one the state’s ten feral predator-free areas, which is the first of its kind on the South Coast of NSW. This area of bushland was chosen because of its suitable habitat for reintroduced species.
“It’s wonderful to know this safe area will help bring locally extinct species back to this corner of the state.”