Newhaven Sanctuary - Wildlife
Mulgara
Newhaven Sanctuary
Systematic surveys within most habitats have confirmed 19 native mammal species, 162 bird species, 73 reptiles, 3 frog species. Based on knowledge of the habitats present on Newhaven, and the distribution of vertebrate species within Australia, we predict that Newhaven protects 26 mammal species, 165 bird species, and 79 reptiles, and 8 frogs. Further survey work is required to confirm these predictions.
Several species that are nationally classified as vulnerable to extinction still persist in significant numbers on Newhaven, including the Brush-tailed Mulgara (Dasycercus blythi), a small brushy tailed carnivorous marsupial, and the richly coloured great desert skink (Liopholis kintorei). The Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagostis) has recently been recorded nearby, and further surveys on Newhaven, where suitable habitat occurs, are expected to reveal its presence.
The inland subspecies Burrowing Bettong (Bettongia Iesueur graii) occurred on Newhaven, as evidenced by its distinctive communal burrows. Feral cats are the likely cause of its continental extinction and feral animal control on Newhaven may make reintroduction of other Bettongia subspecies and several other species from isolated offshore populations, an exciting possibility.
The MacDonnell ranges race of the Black Footed Wallaby, which is now absent from Uluru and Kata Tjuta and declining elsewhere, is still present on the Quartzite ranges of Newhaven. Its continued survival will depend on effective predator control and fire management.