The Zoological Parks Authority (Perth Zoo) has been contracting out the collection of termites since 1996 for the ‘Native Species Breeding Program’. Termites have been collected approximately once a week during warmer months and fortnightly during the winter months using methods developed by Perth Zoo staff.  The required number of trips is variable depending on the number of available termites, which varies according to temperature conditions.

Termites are a favourite food for many of the animals held at Perth Zoo, including echidnas, reptiles, and birds, but particularly for the Numbat, whose diet in the wild consists exclusively of termites. Reliable termite supplies are essential if the Perth Zoo’s Numbat Breeding Programme is to remain successful.