The Tiwi Islands are one of the last regions in Australia with an intact mammal community, and they are home to several threatened mammals like the brush-tailed rabbit-rat and Butler's dunnart. While the mammal populations on the islands have remained relatively intact compared to other areas of northern Australia, they may be showing the first indications of decline. As native mammals play an important role in maintaining healthy country and culture, this is a major concern for the Tiwi Traditional Owners. Hugh Davies from Charles Darwin University looks at what mammal surveys in 2000 and 205 can tell us, and outlines new collaborative research which aims to help underpin recovery efforts.