Local Species

Definitely Darwin’s most common invasive native, the ‘Brushy’ is often mistaken for the common ringtail possum, and is a well known invader of roof spaces in Darwin. Despite it’s name, the northern brushtail doesn’t have a thick bushy tail like it’s southern counterpart, but instead has a thin tapered tail which often finishes in a curl, like the ringtail. The Brushy is nocturnal and will leave it’s nest on dusk to feed on local fruits and flowers, returning before dawn to settle in again. True masters of exploiting entry points to find shelter, adults only need a 7cm hole to gain access to a building.

This large native rat has unfortunately suffered with the population growth in the top end. Numbers have dropped up to 50% in the last 10 years, with an estimated 30,000 remaining. As the name suggests, they are arboreal (tree dwellers) and live in hollowed tree trunks or in the stands of the pandanus tree. They mostly feed on leaves and fruits, but will also eat lizards, insects and snails. Although not commonly encountered in buildings, they can cause damage to cables and other fittings, and leave large accumulations of droppings in areas. Most of our encounters with the Black Footed Tree Rat are in the northern suburbs, with the occasional capture in the rural areas. We notify NT Parks and Wildlife of any captures, and drop them to a wildlife carer for a check up before release.

Often referred to as a “bush rat” or a “tree rat”, the roof rat is a serious pest that can cause damage to buildings and stock, and drive out native animals. They are so common that many people think they’re native, but they most definitely aren’t! Naturally, they live in trees like palms where they’re away from predators, but comfortably make your home their own too. They have soft bones and can squeeze through a gap as small as 3cm, so exclusion is often detailed. Once identified through droppings or other habits, we can carry out a trapping, baiting or live trapping program to remove the population. In commercial situations, we can even deploy motion sensor traps to monitor captures and activity, and set them to send live notifications via emil and SMS – which can sometimes keep us up all night!

Feral and displaced cats need no introduction. The devastation they can bring to native animal populations and the unbalance to the local ecology is well known. Of course we don’t blame the cats for the life they live, but when it impacts your health and well being we can offer solutions. Cats can take up residence in public areas, hospitals, healthcare facilities and cause damage and spread ticks, fleas and disease.
When we capture cats, they immediately get taken to the nearest vet for a check up and microchip scan. If they can be domesticated or rehomed, they are delivered to one of Darwin’s great rehoming organisations. We also contribute financially to the rehoming of captured cats, to ease the burden on the volunteer organisations.

Almost never encountered in the Darwin region, the Rock Ringtail gets an honorary mention here. As the name suggests, they live in rocky areas where they hide in crevices and can be seen sleeping on high ledges. The Darwin region is mostly coastal plains, so it’s simply not preferred habitat for these natives. Current populations are healthy in their preferred regions, with only the Western Australian populations recently becoming of concern.
Image credit: http://www.australianwildlife.org/wildlife/rock-ringtail-possum.aspx

The Northern Quoll is a carnivorous mammal, and occasionally encountered in the Darwin region. Although not invasive, Quolls have been known to attack pet birds and lizards. The spread of cane toads in the Northern Territory severely impacted population and they’re now listed as endangered. Because they’re not invasive, we don’t specifically target Quolls, but when consistent problems can be documented, we can apply for a one-off permit to trap and relocate them.
Click here to read about the wonderful breeding and research programs Territory Wildlife Park has carried out over the years!