Rare Species Of Wallabies Spotted For The First Time In Two Decades

For the first time in two decades, the extremely rare black flanked wallaby has been spotted about 580 kilometres North of Perth in the Kalbarri National Park. The two marsupials which measure just 45cm high are also referred to as warru or black footed wallaby. The animals were photographed by a rock climber in a gorge back in August. Albert Jacob, the environment minister for Western Australia said it was obvious that these shy animals have been living in the national park unseen since 1995 when they were last sighted.

 “Despite extensive searches for the elusive species, they have not been seen there for 20 years, so it was amazing to discover they have survived after all this time,” he said.

Feral goats the main reason for disappearance

Mr. Jacob added that whilst the foxes and feral cats do prey on the wallaby, the main reason behind the disappearance from the park was thought to be the feral goat. This is because goats compete with wallabies for food and also push them out of the gorge area where they are hunted by cats and foxes.

 “The Department of Parks and Wildlife has undertaken aerial goat culling in the park since 2006, and has controlled goats to the extent that wallaby numbers will now be able to build up again.” Mr. Jacob added.

Conservation efforts being undertaken

The exact number of this elusive species in the wild is unknown, however they are listed as being vulnerable. In Western Australia, there are 14 known populations.  The Department of Parks and Wildlife has established camera traps and other types of monitoring methods to see if they can capture another glimpse of the wallabies.