An emergency translocation project aimed at saving endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies has been successfully carried out within Warrumbungle National Park, in the state's north-west.
The operation involved moving the Park's last rock-wallabies by helicopter to a newly established 303-hectare feral cat and fox-free area within the Park.
The purpose-built sanctuary was created to prevent the extinction of this important but declining population, which is thought to be uniquely adapted to the hotter, drier climates of the western-most extent of its range.
The translocation effort saw the careful relocation of 12 Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies to the Mount Uringery feral cat and fox-free free area.
The translocation was carried out by an experienced team of scientists, park managers, species experts, and veterinarians. Due to the remote nature of the site, the wallabies were transported by helicopter to ensure their safety and well-being.
The construction of the feral cat and fox-free area is a significant ecological achievement. It will provide a secure environment within which the wild rock-wallaby population can recover.
Foxes and feral cats are the main predators of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies, with feral goats also posing a threat through competition for habitat and food. Feral cats alone are estimated to kill over 1.5 billion native animals annually.
This project is a key element of National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS) broader conservation strategy to reverse the decline of threatened species and improve their outcomes by creating a network of 10 feral cat and fox-free areas.
Quote attributed to Atticus Fleming, Deputy Secretary NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
The Warrumbungle Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby population possesses unique genetics that are important for the species' survival in the face of climate change.
This project is about saving an important population from extinction. It has been a huge logistical exercise carried out by dedicated NPWS staff, scientists and vets who are determined to save and rebuild the Warrumbungle population.
The Warrumbungles is one of our great inland national parks and we are determined to ensure this spectacular landscape remains home to its unique population of rock-wallabies.
The establishment of feral cat and fox free areas is a critical step towards achieving zero extinctions and restoring ecosystems across our national parks.
Quote attributable to John Whittall, Acting Director Northern Inland NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
It's a fantastic feeling to know that we've been able to put these animals in a place that we know is safe for them, free from feral predators, while NPWS manages those threats.
The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby used to be found all over NSW, but their populations have become restricted.
We're protecting this species for future generations, and our hope is that once the threats have been managed across the landscape and the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby populations have grown, we can start to release them back outside the fenced areas so that they can survive and sustain themselves where they came from.
Video and photographs here: https://bit.ly/4hpoQVV
