Since its inception, Odonata has protected over 49,000 hectares of habitat, engaged with 7 First Nations groups, and collaborated with hundreds of businesses, farms, entrepreneurs, and citizen scientists. The organization manages programs for multiple threatened species and has been instrumental in changing the extinction trajectory of both the Eastern Quoll and the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby. Their work has down-listed the Eastern Barred Bandicoot from “extinct in the wild” to “endangered,” and they have also established Australia’s leading Bush Stone-curlew breeding program. While these accomplishments are remarkable, their work extends far beyond these achievements.

Odonata’s solutions are designed to halt and reverse extinction rates for key mammal species while building improved landscapes where they can thrive in the future. Sustainable finance and innovation play a significant role in how the organization develops new solutions. Bold business leaders, landholders, philanthropists, and investors are essential to realizing their vision. The organization also utilizes next-generation technology and digital evolution to support its work.

One particularly noteworthy aspect is the impact of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot on landscape regeneration. Working as “soil engineers,” these animals massively improve soil quality and moisture retention. Odonata now runs a project where the Eastern Barred Bandicoot has been released onto sheep grazing land to improve soil quality and land productivity. The net effect includes reduced pesticide and fertilizer use, along with encouragement for native grasses to regenerate. This species, brought back from the brink, is now helping farmers produce higher-quality wool. The goal is to replicate this model across many more properties in Victoria and eventually connect them.

Odonata Foundation: A New SEASON for Wildlife

Odonata’s 30-30-30 strategy aims to establish a sanctuary network and supporting initiatives, scaling to 30 sanctuaries and halting the extinction of 30 threatened species by the year 2030. The organization works alongside and in collaboration with Traditional Owners, recognizing their connection to Country and supporting pathways to self-determination, land ownership, and the continuation of knowledge and culture sharing.

Australia faces one of the world’s highest rates of species extinction, largely due to the displacement of Traditional Owners and other impacts of colonization. This loss significantly affects the country’s most biodiverse and culturally significant areas. Australia is at a pivotal stage where intervention can still prevent further extinctions. Restoring the land management techniques of First Nations people can help reverse biodiversity loss and protect identified cultural sites.

Lots more information about Odonata’s projects and initiatives is available on their website: https://odonata.org.au/