The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is Western Australia’s faunal emblem and one of Australia’s most endangered mammals. Fewer than 1,000 are believed to survive in the wild (but surveys are showing positive signs of increasing populations at some sites). Unlike most Australian mammals, Numbats are diurnal — active during the day — and feed exclusively on termites, consuming up to 20,000 per day. This makes them one of the few Australian mammals you can realistically search for in daylight.
They are unmistakeable: rusty-orange fur, bold white stripes across the back, a pointed snout, and a bushy tail held upright. Once you’ve seen one you won’t forget it. They are suprisingly small – squirrel sized.
Conservation Status
Numbats were once widespread across southern Australia but were driven to near-extinction by introduced predators — primarily foxes and cats — and habitat loss. By the mid-1980s only around 300 survived, confined to two small natural populations in WA. Intensive predator control programs and translocations have since stabilised and grown several populations, but the species remains endangered and completely dependent on ongoing management.
The two original surviving wild populations are at Dryandra Woodland (wandoo woodland, wheatbelt) and Perup (jarrah forest, south west). All other current populations are the result of translocation.
Where to Find Numbats in Western Australia
Dryandra Woodland National Park — Best Location for Sightings
Dryandra is one of the two original surviving wild Numbat populations and currently the most reliable location for sightings, with regular reports from visitors. Set in wandoo woodland about 160km southeast of Perth near Narrogin, the woodland is large so animals can be spread out — but patient slow drives along the tracks regularly produce sightings. The broader wildlife experience here (woylies, echidnas, phascogales, possums) makes it well worth a full weekend stay regardless of whether you find a Numbat.
The technique is simple: drive the tracks very slowly (10–15 km/h) with everyone scanning both sides for movement. Numbats forage actively during the day and cover a lot of ground. The best conditions are warm sunny mornings from August to January. I have seen Numbats at Dryandra on multiple visits:
- Dryandra with Family (2025) — brief Numbat sighting on the way out; also great Echidna encounters
- Dryandra Woodland in a Night! (2018)
- Dryandra Spotlighting — Mammal Heaven! (2017)
Boyagin Nature Reserve
Boyagin is a translocated Numbat population in wandoo woodland about 130km southeast of Perth near Pingelly. Reports suggest sightings here have become less reliable in recent years, though it is still worth trying — use the same slow-drive technique along the internal tracks on a warm sunny day. On my fourth attempt at finding Numbats I had an extraordinary encounter here with my friend Jimmy — we found a pair and watched pre-mating behaviour for an extended period. See the full account:
- Dryandra & Boyagin — Woylies & Numbats! (2017) — includes the mating pair encounter and the best practical tips I have
- Looking for Numbats at Boyagin Nature Reserve (2017) — an earlier unsuccessful attempt with useful notes on technique
- Numbat Survey at Boyagin with Project Numbat (2018) — a conservation survey day; good background on the population
Perup — Tone-Perup Nature Reserve
Perup is the other original surviving wild Numbat population, and ecologically it is fascinating — this is a jarrah forest population, quite different in habitat from the wandoo woodland animals at Dryandra and Boyagin. The reserve is in the south west of WA, roughly 300km from Perth near Manjimup.
Perup is less visited and sightings are harder to come by — the dense jarrah forest makes spotting a small animal more difficult, and there is less information available on current population density. I have tried once without success. The reserve also has an excellent reputation for Chuditch (western quoll) and woylies. The same slow-drive technique applies on warm, sunny days.
Other Translocated Populations
Several other sites hold translocated Numbat populations, though sighting reliability varies and some have not had recent public surveys and thought to have failed. Known sites include:
- Tutanning Nature Reserve — wheatbelt, ~120km southeast of Perth. A small population; I have not seen Numbats here myself but it has been recorded. See my Tutanning post for the broader wildlife.
- Dragon Rocks Nature Reserve — further into the wheatbelt east of Hyden.
- Batalling Nature Reserve — south west, jarrah forest.
- Stirling Range National Park — a reintroduction within a large predator-controlled area.
- Karroun Hill Nature Reserve — mid-west WA; a more remote translocated population.
How to Find Numbats — Practical Tips
When to go
Numbats are active during daylight hours only, following termite activity. Cold, overcast or rainy days may not be successful — termites retreat underground and Numbats follow. There is no point spotlighting for Numbats; they are denned and invisible at night.
The slow-drive technique
The most effective method at Dryandra and Boyagin is driving the internal tracks at 10–15 km/h with everyone in the vehicle scanning both sides of the track. You are looking for movement — Numbats move quickly and cover a lot of ground when foraging. Pull over and watch whenever you see movement on the forest floor. Numbats are surprisingly tolerant of quiet observers but will retreat to a hollow log or tree if approached too quickly.
On foot
Walking slowly along tracks also works, though you cover less ground. The advantage is that you make less noise and can stop and scan more carefully. Look for disturbed soil and scratching at termite mounds as a sign of recent activity.
Hollow logs
Numbats shelter and den in hollow logs. If you find a Numbat and it retreats, wait quietly near the log — they often re-emerge within a few minutes once the perceived threat has passed.
Patience and persistence
I tried four times before my first sighting. Don’t be discouraged by a blank day — conditions, timing and luck all play a role. Keep a record of where and when you search so you can refine your approach over multiple visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to see Numbats in Western Australia?
Dryandra Woodland National Park currently has the most regular Numbat sightings and is the best starting point. Drive the internal tracks slowly (10–15 km/h) on a warm sunny morning between August and January. Boyagin Nature Reserve is also worth trying, though sighting reports there have been less consistent in recent years.
What time of day are Numbats active?
Numbats are diurnal — active only during daylight hours. They follow termite activity and I like to describe they like ‘Goldilocks’ conditions – not too hot and not too cold. On hot days – the start and end of the day can be best, on cool days during the warmer midday period and some days might be all day! They are inactive at night and cannot be found by spotlighting.
How many Numbats are left in the wild?
Estimates suggest fewer than 1,000 individuals survive in the wild. The species is listed as endangered. Without ongoing fox and cat predator control programs, the populations would collapse quickly — introduced predators are the primary threat. Habitat loss has also been a major factor for remnant populations as the reserves are usually surrounded by farmland.
Are Numbats found anywhere outside Western Australia?
Wild Numbats are now effectively restricted to Western Australia. There is a reintroduced population at Yookamurra Sanctuary in South Australia (fenced reserve) and at Scotia Sanctuary in NSW, but natural wild populations only exist in WA. Historically they ranged across much of southern Australia.
What habitat do Numbats prefer?
The WA populations span two very different habitat types. The Dryandra and Boyagin populations live in wandoo (white gum) woodland — open, sunny woodland with a grassy understorey that suits slow-drive searching. The Perup population lives in jarrah forest — denser, shadier, and more structurally complex. Both habitats have abundant termites and hollow logs for denning.
Can I visit Dryandra Woodland independently?
Yes — Dryandra Woodland National Park is publicly accessible and the internal tracks are suitable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. Accommodation is available at the Lions Dryandra Woodland Village or in nearby campsites such as Congelin Campground or Gnaala Mia — staying overnight dramatically increases the time you have to search. Its worth booking ahead at the village as it fills up quickly.
Supporting Numbat Conservation
Project Numbat is the primary community conservation organisation working to protect Numbats. Their work includes predator control, survey programs and public education. I joined one of their Boyagin survey days in 2018 — see the full post here. Well worth supporting.
Like this photo? It’s available as a print
This Numbat — WA’s faunal emblem — is available as a print, canvas, metal or framed print, shipped worldwide. Prints from US $2.
Have you seen a Numbat in the wild? Leave a comment below — always keen to hear about sightings and locations.
Wildlife Watching in Australia 