Funding for impact
Championing a tiny, spunky marsupial
Funding context
With the support of Rendere and other private donors, Team Kowari is implementing a practical conservation program to protect this tiny brushy-tailed marsupial rat.
Team Kowari’s ability to build relationships and develop a strong supporter base helped create a pathway for the Kowari to be recognised as Endangered, which has deepened the funding support.
Situational context
First discovered by Western science in 1895, the Kowari has since disappeared from the Northern Territory and from many regions of South Australia and Queensland. Once it disappears from a site, it struggles to return.
Recognising the plight of the Kowari, a group of scientists, land managers and interns representing Arid Recovery and other organisations joined forces to protect this vulnerable creature on the lands of the Diyari, Ngamini and Wongkanguru people.
Impact
Apart from raising awareness of the Kowari and its habitat, particularly among pastoralists, Team Kowari has used supporter funds to conduct a range of activities, including a translocation program into Arid Recovery – where the Kowari can re-populate within a feral-free fence.
The project will eventually see the mammal returned to three arid regions in three states: South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.
”By investing in the creation of Team Kowari, Rendere allowed me to pursue my doctoral studies, associated research and the development of a framework for the ongoing protection of the Kowari.
“I am extremely grateful for this support in all its forms.”
– William La Marca, Chairperson, Team Kowari
”By supporting a future leader to transition to a PhD and providing business support to set up the not-for-profit organisation, we’ve generated many positive outcomes.
“Team Kowari is now self-sufficiently funded through supporters. It’s a nice, tight model that is delivering real and meaningful results.”
– Rendere Strategic Director, Jim Phillipson
*Kowari photo with thanks to Joachim S. Müller via Flickr.