Recommended Free Tools
Gilbert’s potoroo survived near-extinction not through a newly discovered adaptation, but through a remarkable ecological specialization and a conservation safeguard: it eats almost exclusively underground fungi, and separate insurance populations had been established before a devastating fire struck its original habitat. The species remains critically endangered, but those populations helped prevent the 2015 wildfire from becoming an extinction event.
What is Gilbert’s potoroo?
Gilbert’s potoroo (Potorous gilbertii) is a critically endangered marsupial found in Western Australia. It was recorded around Albany in the nineteenth century, but after the last official record in the 1870s, it was believed extinct by 1909. In December 1994, it was rediscovered at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, near Albany. The University of Western Australia reports that the rediscovered Mount Gardner population numbered about 40 animals.
Lead author Dr Tony Friend recalled: “When we surveyed the rediscovered population, we found that only about 40 individuals remained in a small area of heathland on Mount Gardner.” The University of Western Australia reported this in February 2025.
What does Gilbert’s potoroo eat, and why does it matter?
Gilbert’s potoroo depends almost exclusively on underground fungi for food. This unusual diet links its survival to the condition of its heathland habitat: when vegetation and the conditions supporting fungi are damaged, the food resource can be affected too. The animal’s diet is a key part of its ecology, but it did not by itself protect the species from extinction.
#1 Best Overall
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
Government information describes core habitat as low, dense, long-unburnt heath on valley slopes. The species avoids areas affected by Phytophthora cinnamomi dieback, a plant disease that can alter vegetation and, in turn, habitat conditions associated with its food. The Australian government species assessment also identifies changed fire patterns, foxes, feral cats and low recruitment of young as concerns.
How did the potoroo survive the 2015 fire?
The answer was population redundancy: conservationists had established separate groups before disaster struck. An insurance population was moved to Bald Island in 2005, followed by a fenced enclosure at Waychinicup in 2010. In November 2015, a wildfire destroyed more than 90% of suitable habitat at Two Peoples Bay and left only a handful of survivors at the original site. A further translocation to Middle Island followed in 2018.
Rank #2
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
Because animals were living at sites beyond Two Peoples Bay, the fire did not eliminate every population. The separate groups served as a safeguard while managers worked to restore the Mount Gardner population. The recovery account from Gilbert’s Potoroo Action Group describes the fire’s impact and the conservation effort; the government’s recovery plan sets out the broader aims of maintaining viable populations, increasing genetic diversity and establishing more populations.
How many Gilbert’s potoroos are left?
There is no 2026 census figure established by the sources cited here. The latest dated total in the government action-plan profile is based on 2022 trapping: about 90 animals were known alive across the original population and the three insurance populations. Applying an earlier relationship between trapping results and estimated population size produced an inferred total slightly above 100. Nearly half of the animals known alive were on Bald Island, while fewer than 10 were estimated at Two Peoples Bay. These are different measures—animals detected and an inferred total—and both refer to 2022, not today.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
A separate government assessment gives an older estimate of no more than 30 individuals for the small Mount Gardner wild population. That site-specific figure should not be combined with the later all-population estimate. The same assessment estimated an extent of occurrence of 8 km² and an area of occupancy of less than 5 km² in its assessment context; these are not population counts. The government action-plan profile and the government assessment describe these figures and their context.
What still threatens the species?
- Fire: A severe fire can damage the small areas of suitable habitat at both the original site and insurance sites.
- Foxes and feral cats: Predation puts additional pressure on populations with few animals.
- Dieback and habitat change: Altered vegetation can affect the heathland conditions associated with underground fungi.
- Isolation and genetics: Separate populations have limited natural gene flow, making genetic diversity a continuing concern. Co-author Dr Elizabeth Sinclair said: “Understanding the genetic makeup of the remaining Gilbert’s potoroo populations is crucial for maintaining their long-term viability.”
- Recruitment: Low or uncertain recruitment of young makes it harder to sustain populations over time.
The Action Group also identifies climate-driven drying as a concern for truffle-like fungi and long-term viability. Friend noted that “The regenerating habitat at Two Peoples Bay remains a valuable resource for future recovery efforts,” as reported in UWA’s 2025 account.
Rank #4
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
What conservation work is underway?
Recovery work combines monitoring and research with direct management: strategic translocations, control of foxes and cats, fire management, habitat care, genetics research and community engagement. The government identifies better knowledge of populations and subpopulations, more wild individuals and populations, management of key habitat, and reduced predator impacts as indicators for assessing future progress. Its action-plan profile outlines those priorities.
The central lesson is that a rare species needs more than a single safe-looking refuge. For Gilbert’s potoroo, protection depends on keeping suitable heathland and its food resources intact while maintaining several viable populations. The 2015 fire showed the value of establishing those populations in advance; ongoing threats mean that this protection must continue.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsQuick Recap
Best Value
- Itch & Allergy Relief with Omega-3 for Dogs - with 500mg of Omega (EPA+DHA) per serving, our chewable supplement helps with hot spots, dry itchy skin, ease itching, irritated skin, stops shedding.
- Skin & Coat + Hip & Joint Supplement Combined - Omega 3 is a vital element to keep your pet active, support healthy hip and joints, brain, heart, immune health. Can be served with regular pet food.
- Bark&Spark Commitment - we are keen to give best to our furry customers and we take NO compromise when it comes to product quality. Our omega 3 bites are made in the USA, with human grade ingredients.
- Up to 3 Month Supply - with 180 salmon oil treats per jar you keep your pet healthy while not spending a fortune on overpriced supplements. Best value.
- Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? We stick to simple formulas rich in natural flavors, that could tempt a fussy eater. No hassle with pills, powder, tablets or capsules.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
