Meet Keeva
A Heartfelt Encounter with a Woylie
On Sunday morning, I received a call about a Woylie, also known as a brush-tailed Bettong, who had been recently thrown out of her mother's pouch. Without hesitation, I drove the 90 minutes to pick her up. I tucked Keeva under my top, feeling her tiny movements the whole way home. Sadly, by the time I had her bottle with hydrating fluids ready, she had passed away. Although I'm deeply disappointed that I didn't get the opportunity to raise her, I'm grateful for the privilege of keeping her warm and letting her feel my heartbeat in her last few hours.
What Happened to Keeva?
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what happened to Keeva. Mothers will often throw their young out of the pouch if there is something wrong with them. Possible reasons include:
Health Issues: Keeva may have had an underlying health condition that her mother detected.
Stopped Sucking Milk: If Keeva stopped sucking milk, her mother might have rejected her.
Environmental Stress: Changes in the environment or threats from predators can cause mothers to abandon their young, or even a possible mating.
Understanding the Woylie
The Woylie, or brush-tailed Bettong (Bettongia penicillata), is a small, critically endangered marsupial native to Australia. Here are some key facts about this fascinating species:
Habitat and Distribution
Woylies are found in forests and shrublands of Australia, primarily in two small areas in Western Australia. They live in woodlands with dense tussock grass and woody scrub understories.
Diet
Woylies are nocturnal and forage at night. Their diet mainly consists of the fruiting underground bodies of fungi, but they also eat bulbs, tubers, seeds, insects, and resin.
Behavior and Ecology
Woylies perform important ecosystem services while foraging, such as spreading seeds and spores and turning over large quantities of soil, which improves water infiltration and nutrient recycling. They dig for food, which helps maintain the health of their environment.
Conservation Status
Once widespread, Woylies have suffered significant declines due to habitat loss and introduced predators like foxes and feral cats. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect and restore their populations.
Keeva's Meaning and Our Commitment
Keeva means “gentle,” “beautiful,” and “beloved.” At Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, every animal that comes into our care is loved, respected, and given a name with a meaningful significance. Keeva's name reflects the gentle and beloved nature of all wildlife we strive to protect.
Conclusion
While Keeva's story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife, it also highlights the importance of conservation efforts. By understanding and protecting species like the Woylie, we can help ensure their survival for future generations.