A technological advancement in artificial refuges for an endangered marsupial predator

Findings from previous research of artificial refuges constructed for northern quolls, as well collaboration with species experts, engineers, designers, and industry, have led to an advanced design quoll habitat creation. With ongoing destruction, conservationists land managers are increasingly looking human-made alternatives provide shelter wildlife (Cowan et al., 2021, Watchorn 2022). In the Pilbara region Western Australia, mining companies required offset destruction that affects conservation significance. These offsets often in form compensation approaches—including creation habitat—so it is critical measures effective. One such significance (Dasyurus hallucatus), which impacted by rugged rocky denning during (Moore many cases, looked a potential tool quolls—historically created large piles material internal crevices formed variation used. Cowan al. (2020) investigated ability these refuge designs imitate natural dens published their findings Conservation Science Practice. Artificial had microclimates reflective those inside but were much shallower less complex surrounding habitat. also higher visitations feral cats (Felis catus), predator quolls. Northern visitation was extremely low at refuges, while observed raising young within one refuge, highlighting potentially negative impacts structures if not designed appropriately. important implications sparked activity this space. Collaboration among government, consultants, experts has least project aimed advancing development Habitat Innovation Management—experts manufacture—in industry partner Fortescue Metals Group developed reproducible quolls (Figure 1). The considers requirements (e.g., depth), described (2020), environmental threats extreme temperatures, fire, heavy rain common Pilbara. using linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) flame-retardant additive applied increase fire resistance. Manufacture achieved rotational molding involves rotating heated mold filled LLDPE, where softened spreads around walls mold, forming shape. incorporates features ecological needs including air-circulating vent, escape shelf, entrance can be configured or materials exclude larger predators cats. easily deployed field covered layers soil rocks assist thermal buffering, protection, complexity 2). Future will include testing alongside management techniques invasive control vegetation restoration. This help determine support breeding populations long term. All authors conceived idea manuscript contributed writing, editing, approved final submission. Writing Mitchell A. Cowan. concept Michael N. Callan Carl Tippler Management input Dale G. Nimmo. We thank editor reviewers thoughtful reviews on manuscript. Directors Management. No data used