Rare bush rat rediscovered after 30 years

Perth, Aug 24 (IANS) A rare bush rat has been rediscovered living in Western Australia (WA) 30 years after it was thought to have been wiped out of the region, researchers said on Thursday.

The distinctive black-footed tree rat was spotted by chance last year on a seasonal monitoring trip, reports the BBC.

Months of camera footage have now confirmed its existence.

The researchers said they "cracked a bottle of champagne" to celebrate its return after a 30 year absence.

The native rat has telltale black feet and a long black and white tail.

Weighing up to 800g, it is considered enormous compared to its more common relatives such as the golden-backed tree-rat at around 200g.

It was last seen in the Kimberley area in 1987. The species was believed to have been wiped out by bushfires, predatory cats and human activity.

"If you haven't seen an animal in 30 years you can start to make a case that it can be made extinct. We won't need to do that now," Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions ecologist Ian Radford told the BBC.

Population estimates remain uncertain, with Radford saying that because they had been so elusive they were very difficult to track.

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