Native bush rats are being reintroduced into bushland near Brookvale as part of a Sydney rewilding project aimed at restoring a locally missing species and reducing pressure from invasive black rats.
Native Species Returns To Bushland Near Brookvale
Allenby Park, which spans Allambie Heights, Beacon Hill and Brookvale, is one of the key locations included in the reintroduction of native bush rats. The species, also known as bogul in Dharug language, is being returned to urban bushland where it had previously disappeared.
The initiative is led by the University of Sydney, with support from Macquarie University and partner councils. At Allenby Park, Northern Beaches Council is supporting site management, monitoring and community engagement while researchers oversee the reintroduction process.
Decline Of A Native Species
Bush rats were once common along the Sydney coastline but became locally absent from many urban reserves over time. Their decline has been linked to competition from introduced species, urbanisation, and predation from foxes and feral cats.
Surveys across 31 urban reserves found bush rats missing from nearly half of the sites. In contrast, invasive black rats were detected in almost all surveyed areas, highlighting a shift in species presence within urban bushland.
How The Rewilding Program Works
The reintroduction is being carried out in stages across Allenby Park and Twin Creeks Reserve at Turramurra. A total of 100 bush rats are planned for release across both sites, including 50 within Allenby Park, with the rollout continuing through to May.
Before native species are released, researchers have been targeting invasive black rats within Allenby Park to improve survival conditions. About two dozen black rats were trapped during early preparation stages.
The project is also trialling a scent-based method to support settlement. Materials carrying the animals’ natural odour are placed near release points to help encourage the bush rats to remain within the reserve.
Ecological Role In Brookvale Bushland
Bush rats support bushland ecosystems by pollinating native plants such as banksias and dispersing seeds and fungal spores. These functions contribute to maintaining vegetation in natural habitats.
The species is also expected to compete with invasive black rats within bushland areas. Unlike introduced rodents, bush rats remain within dense vegetation and are not typically found around residential properties.
Next Steps
Releases are continuing in stages, with monitoring underway to assess how well the bush rats establish within Allenby Park. Researchers will track whether the animals remain in the reserve and contribute to rebuilding local populations.
Further expansion into additional urban reserves may be considered if the program demonstrates sustained success in restoring native species.
Published 18-Mar-2026
