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Numbat Near-Threatened After Population Surge, Yet Risks Remain

7/13/2026

34 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The numbat was downlisted to near threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Mature individuals now number 2,000-3,000, up from about 300 in the late 1970s.
Perth Zoo’s breed-to-release program has freed 325 numbats and will release seven joeys soon.
Dr Jennifer Anson warns management is needed because feral cats and foxes still threaten the species.
Despite the downgrade, the numbat stays listed as endangered under Australia’s environmental laws.

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Story summary

The numbat was downlisted to near threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Mature individuals now number 2,000-3,000, up from about 300 in the late 1970s.
Perth Zoo’s breed-to-release program has freed 325 numbats and will release seven joeys soon.
Dr Jennifer Anson warns management is needed because feral cats and foxes still threaten the species.
Despite the downgrade, the numbat stays listed as endangered under Australia’s environmental laws.