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The mainland subspecies of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘪) is listed in Victoria as ‘Extinct in the Wild’, and their decline is attributed to their susceptibility to predation by foxes and to habitat loss.

In August 2015 a trial introduction of Eastern Barred Bandicoots began on Churchill Island, adjacent to Phillip Island in Victoria, and demonstrated that Eastern Barred Bandicoots can establish in island environments and that they have positive impacts on island ecosystems, particularly the soil conditions.

This trial enabled the release of Eastern Barred Bandicoots to Phillip Island in October 2017. This release represented the best opportunity towards improving the conservation status of this species. Bringing the mainland Eastern Barred Bandicoot back to the wild is likely to rekindle the ecological function of one of Australia’s small digging mammals, benefitting the landscape of Phillip Island, and can demonstrate what is possible on islands where the threat of invasive predators can be eliminated.

This action is captured in the Victorian Government's Biodiversity 2037 Plan and works in partnership with local community members, organisations, and other Victorian Government departments to achieve biodiversity outcomes.