Within two years, she and research assistant William Betz had organized a research team of local scientists, students and villagers. This team helped establish a field research site on PNG's Huon Peninsula and conducted the first-ever census of wild tree kangaroo populations. Tree kangaroos are declining due to habitat destruction, encroachment of human populations and over-hunting. The team is working to develop cooperative relationships between themselves, local landowners and the government, and to elevate awareness of tree kangaroos' precarious status. With that in mind, Dr. Dabek has shared results of the Huon Peninsula research with hunters and landowners, enabling them to make informed choices about the sustainable harvest of tree kangaroos.
Every marsupial is born relatively early in the development process.
Although it looks like a tiny embryo, it must make its way from the birth canal to the mother's pouch on its own. Sealy quickly called for assistance and kept the joey warm. When Animal Health staff members arrived, they were able to restrain the mother and carefully place the blind, hairless baby in her pouch. It was some weeks before it could be confirmed that the joey was still alive and well and in its mother's pouch, but it had survived, thanks to quick thinking, capable teamwork, and a very good understanding of tree kangaroo reproductive behavior.