New year hope for WA's threatened rock wallaby population

The new year should be brighter for the threatened black-flanked rock wallaby as efforts to control introduced predators have strengthened its population.

  • Predator controls strengthen rock wallaby numbers

  • Fence at Wheatbelt reserve helping to keep species safe

The new year should be brighter for the threatened black-flanked rock wallaby as efforts to control introduced predators have strengthened its population.

It is believed 500 black-flanked rock wallabies now live in WA where the Department of Parks and Wildlife's (DPaW) Western Shield baiting program takes place - Cape Range, Calvert Range, Cape Le Grand National Park, Avon Valley National Park and five small sites in the Wheatbelt.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob said camera monitoring at these key sites showed measures to protect the threatened species were proving successful.

"The baiting of predators, including foxes and feral cats, through the Western Shield program is helping reverse the 17-year decline of the species," Mr Jacob said.

"Additionally, a five-kilometre, 180cm electric fence installed in July at Nangeen Hill Nature Reserve in the Wheatbelt is providing additional protection."

Semi-covert infrared cameras allow staff from DPaW and WWF-Australia to remotely monitor the species in areas that are difficult to access, without disturbing them.

"It is extremely encouraging to see that this fence is assisting the recovery of this vulnerable species, with no foxes caught in the camera images at Nangeen Hill," the Minister said.

"Staff from DPaW and WWF are also working on establishing a reliable food supply for the black-flanked rock wallabies at this site, with seeds to be planted next winter.

"Increased predator control and supplementary food and water is helping to encourage breeding, thereby restoring the population."

The black-flanked rock wallaby is protected under WA's Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 as a threatened species, with a World Conservation Union (IUCN) status of 'vulnerable'.

Black-flanked rock wallabies are only found on two WA islands, a few isolated locations in the Pilbara, Avon Valley, south coast and Goldfields, and five small sites in the Wheatbelt.

Minister's office - 6552 5800