Brush-tailed rock-wallabies thriving in Warrumbungle National Park

One of Australia’s most at risk species, the endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby is thriving thanks to the new feral predator-free area in Warrumbungle National Park.

Recent monitoring has detected four new juveniles and two new pouch young, raising the total number of wallabies within the area to 18.

The increase in population comes after 12 brush-tailed rock-wallabies were successfully translocated from Square Top Mountain, in Warrumbungle National Park into the feral free area in September 2024. 

Spanning 303 hectares, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service built a large feral predator-free area, equipped with remote cameras for surveillance to keep out feral cats, foxes, goats and other predators. Feral predator-free areas are vital to reversing species decline and preventing extinctions.

Work on the Warrumbungle feral predator-free area was completed in July 2023, with the eradication of feral animals completed in two stages in January and October 2024.

Feral cats and goats are leading causes for decline in many native Australian bird, reptile, amphibian species and mammals including the endangered Brush-tailed rock-wallaby. 

This feral predator-free area is one in a network of protected areas that are an essential element of conservation strategies to support the reintroduction of locally extinct animal species.

For more information on feral predator-free areas visit: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/conservation-programs/feral-predator-free-project.  

Quotes attributable to NPWS Manager Threatened Species Dave Kelly:

“This is an exciting and hopeful step forward in the fight to save one of our most endangered native species. The brush-tailed rock-wallaby is not just surviving - it's thriving!

"Feral predator-free areas like this are vital to reversing Australia’s record of mammal extinctions. They’re proof that with the right action, we can give our unique wildlife a fighting chance.

"Thanks to the hard work of NPWS and the success of this protected habitat, we’re seeing real results - more joeys, more hope, and a stronger future for our native species."