There is now hope for a species that was on the brink of extinction.A group of researchers in Australia is thrilled after their efforts to propagate the species seem to have succeeded.Recently, ecologists at the Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia made a stunning discovery.In the sanctuary, they found a litter of newborn and spiky little creaturesBut these are not just any creatures. They belong to the species “western quolls,” which are a specific type of marsupial carnivore.

Previously, the species was scattered throughout Australia, but since the first Europeans began populating Australia, the population of the species has dramatically declined.Nowadays, the western quolls, also known as chuditchs, are only found in the southwestern corner of Australia, and only in small clusters.

This species of marsupial grows to about the size of a cat and plays a significant role in the ecosystem. They help control populations of smaller invertebrates, as well as certain reptiles and birds.

New hope