On this page

Join in this exciting citizen science program this spring!

This much-loved community science project began back in 2012 with WWF-Australia, and volunteer citizen scientists have now collected more than 10 years’ worth of data as part of the Quenda Count! The WWF-Australia has now handed the reigns to the WA Gould League, who are thrilled to host this project and ensure its continued success and growth.

Every record contributes to building a clearer picture of quenda populations — the cheeky, ground-dwelling bandicoot that calls south-western WA its only home. 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.

The Shire of Mundaring has previously worked with Dr Amanda Kristancic, a leading local wildlife ecologist, for the Spring Quenda Count. The recording of her 2025 presentation helps citizen scientists learn how to spot quenda, record data, and understand the importance of their contributions.

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.

How to take part in the October Spring Quenda Count 2026

Taking part in the Quenda Count is fun and easy; choose a site, plan your survey days/times in advance, and simply count how many quendas you saw and how long you spent looking. A zero count is still very important information!

For full details, and most importantly to submit your quenda count via the online survey please visit the WA Gould League's Quenda Count 2026 webpage.

Quenda Count 2026

Helpful quenda counting information

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. Don’t wait until you spot a quenda before starting – even a zero count is valuable data.

Estimating your effort

Estimate how much time you spend actively looking or being “on the lookout” for quendas during each survey. 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. Ideally, your surveys should take a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes.

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.