How a few blokes decided to try and save the Numbat: Rob McLean

Robert McLean is an unlikely conservationist. Throughout the week he drives a meat truck and is a bloke who enjoys a steak and a beer. But most weekends he’s out in the Dryandra Woodland conservation area, 170km south-east of Perth, trying to save one of Australia’s most endangered species – the numbat – from extinction. There are less than 1000 mature individuals remaining. Together with three other unlikely conservationists – airline worker Sean Van Alphen, power-company employee Matthew Willett, and John Lawson, caretaker of the Lions Dryandra Woodland Village and a former stonemason – he founded The Numbat Task Force. This Episode of Talking Australia is hosted by Angela Heathcote (Digital Producer at Australian Geographic) and produced by Ben Kanthak (www.beachshackpodcasts.com). You can also follow us on Instagram @australiangeographic