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Endangered native mouse celebrates breeding success through Victorian Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program

Sweet squeaks of success are sounding at two conservation breeding facilities in Victoria, with the first litters of endangered native Pookila pups, pronounced as poo-KEE-lah, born at Melbourne Zoo and Moonlit Sanctuary.

By news@gippsland - 6th March 2023 - Back to News

The endangered native Pookila pups' births are a major milestone for the Victorian Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program, which began in March last year [2022] with Pookila collected from dwindling wild populations. Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray said the new program created genetically diverse pairs for breeding and aims to bolster existing populations and reintroduce the endangered species to locally extinct areas.

Victorian Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program, with the safe arrival of our first litters of pups, offering new hope for this endangered native species

Conservation initiatives

Dr Gray said, "Zoos Victoria is committed to improving the long-term future for the Pookila. These births at Melbourne Zoo and Moonlit Sanctuary are a wonderful first step in the species' recovery in Victoria. We are also researching population health and developing plans to reintroduce the Pookila back to safe areas within its former range."

At Melbourne Zoo, 14 Pookila pups have been born to three breeding pairs with more on the way, while Moonlit Sanctuary's Small Mammal Conservation Breeding Centre, which also houses three breeding pairs, has successfully produced six pups. Moonlit Sanctuary Director and Owner, Michael Johnson, said the initial success is a strong indicator for future conservation initiatives for the species.

"Moonlit Sanctuary is thrilled to have bred Pookila for the first time, and thus help secure the species in Victoria. This is especially so given the Pookila's close association with the Westernport region, and we hope to see them in the wild near here again soon. This breeding success shows the value of our new Small Mammal Breeding Centre," said Mr Johnson.

Protecting native species

\In the wild, the Victorian breeding season for Pookila is late spring through to early autumn. The Pookila is considered extinct in seven of 12 known Victorian locations, with remaining populations increasingly under threat from drought, loss of genetic diversity, and predation by feral cats and foxes.

The five remaining Victorian sites believed to contain fewer than 3000 Pookila are in Gippsland, including Wilson's Promontory National Park. Native to south-eastern Australia, the small, burrowing rodent inhabits open heathland and coastal areas, mostly feeding on native plant seeds, leaves and fungi.

The species plays an important biodiversity role by dispersing seeds and fungal spores. Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt said the multi-organisational initiative also reflects an investment in preserving Victoria's biodiversity. "We are committed to protecting native species - big and small - to safeguard our state's precious biodiversity."

Working with other agencies

Pookila can be distinguished from the house mouse by their bicoloured tail, large eyes, soft thick fur, and a lack of 'mousey' odour. The name Pookila is derived from a Ngarigo word for 'mouse' - bugila - and was adopted by the federal government in 1995 as an Indigenous name for the species formerly known as the New Holland Mouse.

The Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program is a collaboration between the:

• Victorian Department of Energy
• Environments and Climate Action
• Gippsland Water
• Moonlit Sanctuary
• Parks Victoria
• Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association
• Zoos Victoria
• Members of the national Pookila Recovery Team

"To achieve breeding success with the Victorian Pookila Conservation Breeding and Reintroduction Program is a huge step forward for the conservation of this species," said Minister Stitt.

Pictures from Gippsland Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences.
• Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
  Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients.
• East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
  East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
  Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative.
• Forge Theatre hosts IMMERSIVE program celebrating creativity, collaboration and artistic experimentation across East Gippsland this March
  This March, Forge Theatre hosts IMMERSIVE, a month-long program encouraging creativity, collaboration, experimentation, workshops, performances, and community participation, celebrating East Gippsland’s vibrant, inclusive, and artistic spirit.
• Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
  Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
• Baw Baw Shire Council hosts Seniors Festival 2025, featuring free events and activities celebrating connection, creativity and positive ageing
  Baw Baw Shire celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival October 2025 with free events, workshops, garden tours, and activities, encouraging seniors to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy free public transport across Victoria.
• Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (Glen Eira Leisure) claim fourth consecutive victory at 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard challenge
  Glen Eira Leisure won the 2025 Life Saving Victoria Pool Lifeguard Challenge for the fourth consecutive year, excelling in rescue, emergency response, and team-based competitions against 23 Victorian aquatic teams.
• Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
  Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region.
• Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
  Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026.
• Martin Cameron says community safety has declined under Labor amid rising crime and 1500 Victoria Police vacancies
  Nationals and Liberals pledge 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and restored station hours under Safer Communities Plan, addressing regional crime concerns, vacancies, and policing shortages across Latrobe Valley.
• East Gippsland Water expects no summer restrictions, yet climate change makes long-term conservation vital
  East Gippsland Water predicts sufficient rainfall this summer, making restrictions unlikely, but warns climate change and future droughts mean ongoing water conservation remains essential for communities.
• Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland timber industry, jobs, and regional communities
  Darren Chester warns Labor-Greens EPBC reforms threaten Gippsland’s native hardwood and plantation timber industry, risking jobs, regional communities, sustainable forest management, and increasing reliance on imported timber products.
• Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
  Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
  Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history.
• Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
  Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
  Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns.
• Bass Coast wins National Award for Circular Economy Program driving sustainable local business innovation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 National Economic Development Award for its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, supporting local businesses to reduce waste, innovate sustainably, and embrace circular economy practices.