Helping the threatened brush-tailed rock wallaby

The conservation of threatened species is crucial for the maintenance of Australia’s unique biodiversity.
September is Biodiversity Month in Australia so we are showcasing what is being done to help the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby. Due to land clearing and introduced predators, such as the european fox, these beautiful marsupials are almost extinct with only a few small pockets remaining including East Gippsland and the Warrumbungles.

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby: Petrogale penicillata at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Australia, photo May Wong

THE GOOD NEWS:

• The Australian Museum is helping to safe guard the almost extinct Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby. Work done by Dr Mark Eldridge, Senior Research Scientist at the Australian Museum, has identified three diverse populations of these wallabies which will help with conservation and re introduction of the species back into the wild.
• The Action Plan for Threatened Australian Macropods (kangaroo and wallaby families) outlines everything needed to recover our threatened species of kangaroo and wallaby, including locations, costs and required efforts. The WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature - designed the Action Plan to help recover 21 species of kangaroo and wallaby most at risk of extinction.
  
  

Brush-tailed rock wallaby, Australia

© Ben Bishop / WWF-Aus Some rights reserved.

 Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the brush-tailed rock-wallaby?

• It's a medium-sized marsupial with a distinctive long, bushy tail.

• Known for its agility, it thrives in rugged, rocky terrain and prefers north-facing cliffs, caves, and ledges

Where is it found?

• Historically widespread across southeastern Australia.

• Now fragmented populations exist mainly along the Great Dividing Range in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, and Victoria

Why is it considered threatened?

• Listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

• Its population has declined by 50–90% since European settlement.

What are the main threats?

• Predation by European red foxes, feral cats, and wild dogs.

• Habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activity and fire regimes.

• Competition with feral goats and pigs.

• Climate change impacts like drought and intensified fires.

• Genetic isolation due to small, disconnected populations.

What conservation efforts are underway?

• Fox and feral goat control programs.

• Habitat protection and restoration.

• Captive breeding and genetic diversity enhancement.

• Strategic surveys to monitor populations and identify priority areas for intervention.

Are there different types of brush-tailed rock-wallabies?

• No subspecies are officially recognized, but three genetically distinct groups (Evolutionarily Significant Units or ESUs) exist:

  • Southern ESU (Victoria)

  • Central ESU (Central NSW)

  • Northern ESU (NE NSW and SE Queensland).

 How can I help?

• Support conservation organizations.

• Participate in citizen science or local habitat restoration.

• Advocate for stronger protections and funding for threatened species.

• You can make a donation to WWF or you can adopt a rock wallaby - 100% tax deductible donation.

RESOURCES:
Victorian Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Recovery Team
Friends of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in the Shoalhaven area of NSW.
Help us find brush-tailed rock-wallabies
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby profile
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Recovery Plan (pdf1.01MB)
Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby page

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