Backyard Bandicoots: Engaging community in urban bushland conservation

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Backyard bandicoots: Engaging community in urban bushland conservation. This project aims to develop a model for urban ecosystem function and restoration, by identifying resources used by urban bandicoots (quenda). Digging mammal species turn over substantial volumes of soil as they forage for invertebrates, subterranean fungi, and plant material. These ecosystem engineers contribute to water infiltration, nutrient cycling, increased soil microorganism function, and seedling recruitment. They spread hypogeous mycorrhizal fungi that contribute to plant nutrition, crucial in Australia's nutrient-poor soils. This research is expected to improve targeted plantings in bushland reserves, and identify and mitigate threats to bandicoots in cities.