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This October, the Shire of Mundaring is launching an exciting new citizen science program — the Spring Quenda Count — and we need your help!

We’re calling on all Shire residents to observe and record Quenda activity in their gardens over a one-week period in October. This much-loved community science project began back in 2012 with WWF-Australia, and thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers, we now have over ten years of invaluable sightings and observations. Every record contributes to building a clearer picture of quenda populations — the cheeky, ground-dwelling bandicoot (Isoodon fusciventer) that calls south-western WA its only home.

This year marks an exciting new chapter, with the WA Gould League taking the lead in running the program. They’re eager to build on its success and ensure it continues well into the future. Importantly, all the data collected is shared with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, where it plays a vital role in guiding conservation actions to help protect this unique native species.

Also known as the southwestern brown bandicoot, the Quenda is a small, ground-dwelling marsupial that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, it’s also a vulnerable species, under threat from habitat loss, predation and disease.

By keeping an eye out in your own backyard, you can make a real difference to their survival. We’re thrilled to be working with Dr Amanda Kristancic, a leading local wildlife ecologist, to help develop and deliver the program.

Amanda offered an in-person presentation to help participants learn how to spot Quenda, record data, and understand the importance of their contributions. If you weren't able to attend the info session, don’t worry, you can watch the recorded session below!

To participate in the Spring Quenda Count, use our survey form to submit your count.

To learn more about Quenda, visit the All About Quenda page on our website.

How to Take Part in the October Spring Quenda Count

Thank you for helping the Shire of Mundaring and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) learn more about our urban quendas (bandicoots). Your efforts make a real difference in understanding how these unique animals are coping with the challenges of urban sprawl and loss of natural habitat.

Why join the Spring Quenda Count?

The information you collect helps track the populations of the iconic quenda (Isoodon fusciventer), a species of bandicoot found only in south-west Western Australia.

Quendas aren’t currently listed as a ‘threatened’ species, but they face risks such as:

  • Vehicle strikes
  • Introduced predators (including pet cats and dogs)
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation

Because of these pressures, DBCA lists the quenda as a Priority 4 species, which means it requires ongoing monitoring.

If you’ve joined the Spring Quenda Count before and still have access to your survey area, we’d love for you to take part again this year.

How do I get involved?

Becoming a Quenda Counter is easy! Just follow three simple steps:

  1. Choose your area and dates – Pick a spot on your property to watch for quendas, and decide which day(s) in October you’ll do your counts.
  2. Do your count – Record the number of quendas you see on your chosen day(s). You can count for one day or up to three days.
  3. Send us your results – Fill in the Quenda Count form and return it to the Shire by Friday 14 November 2025.

Choosing your count area

Pick a place on your property where you’ve seen quendas before – perhaps your garden, a patch of bush, or even part of a larger block. An area of around 50m x 50m works well.

If you’ve done the count in previous years and still have access to the same area, please use it again so we can compare results over time.

When to do the count

  • Choose any week in October that suits you.
  • A survey is done on a single day, preferably in the early morning or evening, when quendas are most active.
  • You can do one count or up to three counts in your chosen week. If you do multiple counts, leave 1–2 days between them.

⚠️ Important: Plan your count days in advance. Please don’t wait until you spot a quenda before starting—even a zero count is valuable data.

Estimating your effort

Please estimate how much time you spend actively looking or being “on the lookout” for quendas during each count. This information is crucial for understanding your results.

Being “on the lookout” means you’re in your chosen area and would notice a quenda if one appeared. You can spend as little as 15 minutes or several hours looking for quenda.

How to count quendas

  • Record the number of quendas you see in your area during your chosen time.
  • Avoid double-counting the same animal.
    • Example: If you see 3 quendas at once, record 3.
    • If you later see a different individual, add it to your total. So 1 + 3 = 4 quendas for that count.

What if I don’t see any?

That’s still an important result! A zero count helps us just as much as sightings.

If you don’t see quendas during your count, record “0” along with the time you spent looking. Also, keep an eye out for signs like cone-shaped diggings, and record those too.

Submitting your results

Please return your completed survey form by Friday 14 November 2025 via: