have already identified several important species of rare and threatened wildlife including the Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) and wyulda or scaly-tailed possum (Wyulda squamicaudata). As of 2021, AWC's most recent project is the Western River Refuge, a project delivered in partnership with Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife and private landholders in response to the destructive bushfires that occurred on Kangaroo Island in 2020. The Western River Refuge includes a 369-hectare feral predator-free fenced safe haven to protect the Kangaroo Island Dunnart, as well as several other threatened species. History The origin of the organisation lies in a 1991 land purchase (of what is now Karakamia Sanctuary) by AWC's founder, Martin Copley. He established the sanctuary, constructed a feral-proof fence, cleared the area of feral animals and started re-introducing threatened mammals into this area. Karakamia is still open for public spotlight tours where you can see small mammals such as the critically endangered woylie or brush-tailed bettong (Bettongia penicillata), Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii), quenda and common brushtail possum. In 2001 the AWC became a public charitable organization. In 2002 The AWC agreed to acquire four sanctuaries, Buckaringa, Dakalanta, Scotia and Yookamurra, for A$5.2m from Earth Sanctuaries Ltd (ESL), the company founded by Dr John Wamsley. AWC sanctuaries Bowra, Queensland Brooklyn, Queensland Buckaringa, South Australia Bullo River Station, Northern Territory Charnley River–Artesian Range Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Australia Curramore, Queensland Dakalanta, South Australia Dambimangari, Western Australia Faure Island, Western Australia Kalamurina, South Australia Karakamia, Western Australia Mallee Cliffs National Park, New South Wales Marion Downs, Western Australia Mornington, Western Australia Mount Gibson, Western Australia Mount Zero-Taravale, Queensland Newhaven, Northern Territory North Head, New South Wales Paruna, Western Australia Piccaninny Plains, Queensland Pungalina-Seven Emu, Northern Territory Scotia, New South Wales Tableland, Western Australia The Pilliga, New South Wales The Western River Refuge, South Australia Wilinggin, Western Australia Wongalara, Northern Territory Yampi Sound Training Area, Western Australia Yookamurra, South Australia References External links Australian Wildlife Conservancy Non-profit organisations based in Western Australia Nature conservation organisations based in Australia 2001 establishments in Australia Protected area administrators of Australia