We Give A Rat's Project

We help to save endangered species through volunteered weed-clearing and fundraising for Aussie Ark. Donations are tax-deductible.

Protecting Endangered Native Species

The Rotary Club of Morisset has a three-year partnership with Aussie Ark at their Barrington Tops Sanctuary to clear weeds from the enclosures housing Tasmanian Devils, Spotted Quolls, Long Nose Pottaroos and other macropod species. These species are all endangered in the wild, and Aussie Ark is working to establish insurance populations.

Rotarians, friends and family members are working alongside the rangers to remove invasive weeds (Scotch Broom) from animal enclosures to improve the environment and therefore improve the breeding conditions for the animals. Aussie Ark provides accommodation in exchange for volunteer hours.

RC Morisset would like to acknowledge Australia Post who has supported the Rotary Club of Morisset with a one-year grant as a contribution to the expenses of four weekends working bees in 2024.

Saving The Broad Toothed Rat

In addition, Morisset Rotary is a key supporter of Aussie Ark’s “Save The Broad Toothed Rat from Extinction” project. The Broad Tooth Rat, also known as Tooarrana, is found only in the NSW Barrington Region & is facing imminent extinction, due to habitat decline, fire and feral animals. This project supports Aussie Ark to establish the first ever breeding population for genetic diversity & to study their habits & behavioural traits with the view to being released into their enclosed & protected sanctuary at Barrington Tops.

This is a great project to get outdoors, and make a difference to our unique but highly endangered wildlife – if you would like to know more please contact [email protected].

The Broad Tooth Rat projects cost approximately $35,000 a year to run. If you would like to donate to this project please hit the Donate button.

Scotch Broom Clearing

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is present in the Barrington region and is considered a noxious weed in NSW. The plant out-competes most native species and significantly impacts native fauna who rely on natural vegetation communities for food and habitat.

Scotch broom thrives in conditions like the Barrington Tops where the temperature is cooler. It poses several threats including;

Increased fire risk because of the dense thickets it forms.
Providing shelter for feral species such as pigs and foxes, and;
Altering the nitrogen levels in soil which can harm the ecosystem.

Scotch broom is prolific on the Aussie Ark site and surrounding properties, and poses an extreme risk to local vegetation and fauna species.

The preservation of these species is incredibly important to the community’s wellbeing because it represents health and diversity in the environment, hope for the conservation of the fauna, and a sense of well-being for the volunteers. The project also provides volunteers with opportunities to undertake meaningful volunteer work and has a positive impact on their own mental health and sense of self-worth, and meaningful contribution to the community and the future health of the world.