Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby
School Education, Monitoring and Pest Control
- YEAR: 2018
- STATE: New South Wales
- FOCUS AREAS: Saving Species/SDG 15: Life on Land
- YEAR: 2018
- STATE: New South Wales
- FOCUS AREAS: Saving Species/SDG 15: Life on Land
Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillate) can be found in fragmented populations from southeast Queensland to the Grampians in Western Victoria. They live on rocky escarpments, granite outcrops and cliffs, which have caves and ledges for shelter and face north for warmth. However, life is tough for “Brushies” and impacts on their available habitat (due to a combination of factors) have caused this iconic species to disappear from much of the southern and western part of its range. Brushies must also cope with introduced predators and competition from feral goats, sheep and rabbits. Consequently, the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is listed as Endangered in NSW and Threatened in Victoria.
FNPW support
This project was funded through generous donations from FNPW supporters across Australia and beyond.
Project overview
In 2018, FNPW funded a project to monitor rock wallaby populations at three colonies in the NSW Southern Highlands. Extensive predator control was also undertaken on both private and public land to reduce the threat of predation on the wallabies.
By the end of the year there were 26 adults and 17 pouch young in the population which was an increase from previous years. Community support was integral to the project with Landowners providing access to their land to survey and control pests.
Funds provided by FNPW also enabled eight education events with over 300 participants including many school children. It is expected that the knowledge gained by students during this program will be carried forward with them through their life and shape their understanding of the importance of protecting threatened species.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
FNPW supports projects across Australia. In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
PROGRESS OF THIS PROJECT
The project was completed in 2018.
FNPW has supported the protection of the Brush-Tailed Rock Wallaby populations since 2006.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Friends of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is the lead organisation for this project.
Further information about our project partner can be found on their website: