The need for more safe spaces free from foxes and stronger partnerships between government agencies and landowners is critical for the survival of a specific wallaby species, according to an expert from The Australian National University (ANU).
An expert from The Australian National University (ANU) emphasizes the importance of establishing additional fox-free habitats and enhancing collaboration between governments and landowners to help a vulnerable wallaby species survive.
Known as the Parma wallaby or white-throated wallaby, this species is classified as vulnerable in Australia and is deemed Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These marsupials inhabit areas along the Great Dividing Range in northern New South Wales.
Professor George Wilson, a co-author of a recent study on the history and earlier relocation efforts of Parma wallabies, highlights that predation significantly threatens their survival.
He noted that the devastating Black Summer bushfires likely harmed both the populations and habitats of the Parma wallaby, adding to their risk of extinction.
“An attempt to reintroduce a Parma wallaby population near Robertson, New South Wales, ended in failure, as foxes killed over 40 wallabies in less than three months,” Professor Wilson explained.
“This stands in stark contrast to New Zealand, where the authorities are working to eliminate Parma wallabies due to an overpopulation problem.”
“We have confirmed that Parma wallabies are thriving in a predator-free environment at Mount Wilson. It’s vital that we establish more private safe havens and captive breeding programs to ensure these animals can survive in the long run.”
The New South Wales government’s Saving Our Species program has outlined various conservation measures for the Parma wallaby.
However, Professor Wilson believes that the strategy neglects the necessity for more safe havens, which would offer advantages such as enhanced population security during bushfires, better disease and genetics management, and protection against vehicle accidents and introduced predators.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is currently building an enclosure at Ngambaa Nature Reserve to relocate some Parma wallabies from Mount Wilson, but researchers argue that more such facilities are essential.
“Building and maintaining predator-proof fencing can be expensive. Therefore, government agencies should collaborate with private landowners to create these enclosures cost-effectively and promote partnerships among zoos, nature reserves, and commercial stakeholders,” stated Professor Wilson.
Samaa Kalsia from Australian Wildlife Services remarked that the initiatives in the Save Our Species strategy are more “aspirational than realistic” regarding what government agencies can achieve alone.
“Many factors threatening Parma wallabies, highlighted by the New South Wales government, reveal a lack of understanding of these animals’ habitats, dietary needs, and the extent of fox predation, among other issues,” said Ms Kalsia, who co-authored the paper with Professor Wilson.
“Historically, research on Parma wallabies has been scarce, which exacerbates the species’ risk of extinction.”
“Additionally, the state government’s conservation plan does not provide any incentives for private landowners to adopt measures beneficial to the Parma wallabies.”
“Without government support to foster and not hinder the development of sanctuaries like those at Yengo, Mount Wilson, and others in Barrington Tops and Bannockburn, it is improbable that the threats to these animals will be effectively addressed.”
