While eastern barred bandicoots are still common in parts of Tasmania, they are ‘critically endangered’ in Victoria and ‘extinct’ in South Australia. Large-scale clearing for expanding agricultural practises, combined with predation by introduced foxes, dogs and cats saw the mainland population of this species reach the verge of extinction by 1991.

A recovery program, established by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (now the Department of Sustainability and Environment) and Zoos Victoria in 1990, concentrates on the captive breeding of the species for reintroduction to the wild.  This work is supplemented by site management at protected grasslands, as the success of the reintroductions is largely dependant on the provision of suitable habitat and predator control. Partners in the program include Parks Victoria, National Trust of Australia, Mt Rothwell (formerly Little River Earth Sanctuaries) and Friends of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

Today, it is estimated that there are not even 200 individuals on the Australian mainland, across four reintroduced populations. Due to concerns regarding the level of predator reduction programs at two of these sites, releases are currently only undertaken into the Hamilton Parklands and Mt Rothwell. These intensive conservation efforts have resulted in a greatly reduced extinction threat, however, the species is still conservation dependant, and without continued recovery actions, the status of the eastern barred bandicoot on the mainland could very quickly become critical.

Adelaide Zoo held eastern barred bandicoots between 1996 and 2000, but it is Monarto Zoo that really flies the Zoos SA flag for this species. Monarto Zoo has intermittently held eastern barred bandicoots as part of the recovery program since 2003, with their first releases in 2004. An import of eight new adults in 2007 secured Monarto Zoo as an important member of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Program, and the subsequent birth of eight joeys means Monarto Zoo will continue to play an important role in the reintroduction and long-term conservation of this species. The seven participating institutions, including Monarto Zoo, have committed to supplying a total of 50 animals per year for release back into the wild.