Northern Territory Government
Department of Tourism and Hospitality Rock Rats Return-Just in Time for National Threatened Species Day
6 September 2025
Alice Springs Desert Park is proud to unveil a new, purpose-built enclosure for the critically endangered central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus) in the Nocturnal House, just in time for National Threatened Species Day on Sunday, 7 September.
Once thought extinct, the central rock-rat is now a conservation success story. Since 2022, a collaborative breeding program involving Alice Springs Desert Park, Parks and Wildlife, the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (DEPWS), and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy has recorded over 50 pups, with 41 individuals released back into the wild at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary.
The new enclosure has been designed to replicate the rocky terrain of the West MacDonnell Ranges, using hand-selected local rocks, specialised soil, and native plants to create a natural and comfortable habitat for these elusive mammals.
In addition to the unveiling, visitors are invited to participate in a range of activities on National Threatened Species Day, including:
8:30am: Threatened species plant talk9:15am: Central rock-rat exhibit unveiling and conservation talk with free kids' workbooks11:45am: Black falcon talk at the Nature Theatre ($15 per person - bookable online)1:45pm: Threatened species talk and enrichment session featuring phascogale, bilby and mulgara
Evening nocturnal tours spotlighting bilbies and other native wildlife (booking required).
Most talks and activities are free with park admission.
National Threatened Species Day commemorates the death of the last known Tasmanian tiger in captivity in 1936 and highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts across Australia.
Visitors are encouraged to support the Desert Park's ongoing conservation programs through donations, which help fund breeding, habitat care, and species recovery.
Quick Facts:
The central rock-rat is listed as critically endangered under national legislation.It is found only in the West MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia.The breeding program began in 2022, with 16 individuals collected from the wild.Since then, 41 animals have been released into the wild, and at least 58 pups have been born in captivity.The new enclosure opens on Sunday 7 September, at the Nocturnal House.
