How do digging mammals help ecosystems?

Digging mammals are often labelled ecosystem engineers, species who modify the environment and resources for other species.

Dr Leonie Valentine from the University of Western Australia is looking at how some of Australia's threatened digging mammals affect ecosystem functions in a wide range of environments. The aim is to get a greater understanding of how assisting threatened species can in turn help protect Australia's fragile landscapes.

This Threatened Species Recovery Hub project is a collaboration between The University of Western Australia, City of Joondalup, the Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. It receives support from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program.