A major challenge facing translocations is limited knowledge of source populations. Maximising the benefit to the translocated population while minimising risk to their source population is critical. Kowaris, Dasyuroides byrnei, are a dasyurid mammal that occur in a restricted range in arid central Australia, where their populations are highly fragmented and exist largely on cattle grazing leases. There is limited knowledge of kowari biology and ecology in the wild, and modelling suggests they have a 20% chance of extinction within the next 20 years, leading to recommendations for the species to be represented in fenced safe havens. In 2022, we translocated 12 adult kowaris to Arid Recovery, the largest feral predator-proof, fenced reserve in Australia. However, the land surrounding Arid Recovery supports abundant feral cats and cattle, the two major threats to kowaris in the wild. If kowaris exhibit hyper-dispersal, a trait common in other dasyurids, this could significantly increase mortality rates in the translocated population. To combat hyper-dispersal and minimise the number of animals taken from the wild, we targeted females with pouch young and initially contained animals in soft-release pens. This approach successfully established the kowaris within the 2,600ha area, with only one female dispersing beyond this area before denning young. Females travelled less than 2km on average in the first few months and maintained high site fidelity thereafter. Dispersing young that are vulnerable in the wild have thrived within the fenced reserve. Our approach ensured a successful translocation while simultaneously minimising the impact on the wild population.