Maremma dogs will be used to ward off predators of the eastern barred bandicoots at Tiverton Station near Darlington in a five-year trial aimed at boosting numbers so the little marsupial can be returned to the wild.

A grant of $120,000 from the federal Environment Department was allocated to the innovative project, which was inspired by successful use of Maremmas to guard threatened penguins on Warrnambool’s Middle Island.

The department also allocated $50,000 to help save the southern bent-wing bat population in Starlight cave on the Lake Gillear coastal cliffs.

Thermal imaging and other innovative technology will be used to assess the number of bats as they leave the cave at night.

Health assessments will also be undertaken to find vital information to determine potential causes of population decline.

Naracoorte caves in South Australia is the only other mainland breeding location for the species, which once numbered an estimated 200,000 and is now down to an estimated 50,000.

The species is one of only five mammals listed nationally as critically endangered.

Zoos Victoria, which is involved in both projects, along with other agencies, will contribute from its own funds supplemented by proceeds from an ongoing public appeal.

“It’s fantastic news to get the federal funding,” said Zoos Victoria general manager of community relations Jacquie O’Brien.

“We can’t wait to start.”

Ms O’Brien said the bandicoot trial could further demonstrate that dogs could reliably ward off foxes and be used for other aspects of wildlife preservation. 

The bandicoot species, which grows up to 35 centimetres long and weighs just one kilogram, is extinct in the wild on the mainland.

Former Warrnambool resident Dave Williams, who trained Maremmas for the Middle Island project, will train at least three dogs for the Darlington trial.

The first pup is expected to be purchased in April and the canine team will be released with the bandicoots in 2017, under supervision. 

Eastern barred bandicoot numbers in Victoria declined to only 50 in 1989 and now total about 400 in captivity. 

By the end of the trial it is hoped they will have increased to 2500 — enough to sustain numbers in the wild.

Ms O’Brien said there would also be keen national interest in the bat project.

Records show  Thunder Point blowhole at Warrnambool, Mount Widderin cave near Skipton and coastal caves in South Australia and Victoria were also used by the bats in the past when the species was more common.