Eight eastern bettongs now call Mulligans Flat home as part of a conservation project.

The release is the next step in reintroducing the species of small marsupials to mainland Australia.

Eastern bettongs are called Ngaluda in the Ngunnawal language. They once lived in Canberra but have been extinct outside of Tasmania for more than 100 years.

The bettongs have a pivotal role in restoring balance to Australia's ecosystem. They spread truffle spores, helping to improve the soil, and create burrows that support native plant growth.

Expanding their numbers at the sanctuary is a main step in rebuilding an entire food web of native species.

Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary began rehoming bettongs in 2012. Many of these tiny native creatures now live in the area.

“Our partners have been working for more than a decade to establish and expand the Sanctuary so we can foster new populations of threatened species and start to reverse the declines of native fauna,” Dr Jason Cummings from the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust said.

“This latest milestone is testament to the work and support of many partners including the ANU, ACT Government, and the National Landcare Program

“We are looking forward to seeing the bettong population grow and making bettongs available for other Sanctuaries around Australia.”

Canberrans can visit the Sanctuary to explore an endangered ecosystem. Wildbark Rangers are available to talk about the work they do to help Australia's wildlife.

For more information about this project and the other animals they help to protect visit the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary website.