Better Homes for
Fussy Brushies
Lauren Brown

Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies are fussy with the choice of their habitat - they need rock formations with caves for shelter, native food plants, preferably fig trees, and large areas of connected habitat to mingle with neighbouring populations. Photo: Max Herford

Critically endangered in Victoria and endangered in New South Wales, populations of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies are now also declining in Queensland, with several local extinctions already observed. Help, however, may well be on the way with a research study that could provide the key to saving the entire species.

Taking Action

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is helping fund a habitat modelling study that may improve conservation efforts in all three states.

Run by PhD Student Justine Murray and scientists from the University of Queensland, the study will involve habitat assessment in south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, along with a survey of the location of Rock-wallaby populations. The presence or absence of Rock-wallabies, combined with data on landscape characteristics and specific site conditions, will help the team generate models of both positive and negative environments for the struggling species.

Justine Murray says the results will be aimed at those controlling public and private land featuring favourable Rock-wallaby habitat. She says, “The results will help management agencies and private landholders determine appropriate management strategies for their land for both conservation and economic productivity.”

More than Identifying ‘Home’

The rocky landscape of the Warrumbungles once offered ideal habitat for Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies. Since the arrival of foxes and feral goats however the local populations have dramatically declined. Photo: Jeff Wong

The project will, however, involve more than simple identification of preferred habitat. Project Manager Dr Anne Goldizen says, “At the end of the study we plan to build population models that will allow us to compare the relative effects of different scenarios on populations of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies - either of different forms of damage to the landscape or of different possible conservation efforts.”

This is currently a critical gap in the knowledge about the species. While various studies have focussed on areas in New South Wales where the Rock-wallabies have disappeared, the researchers emphasise that information about northern habitats where the populations are thriving is also needed for future conservation programs to be successful.

Knowledge is Power

Dr Goldizen and Ms Murray have both been working with Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies for a number of years and have an intimate understanding of their behaviour and reproductive habits. The results from their previous work combined with those of the present study will increase the data available for modelling. As Dr Goldizen says, “By the end of our study we will have comprehensive data on survival, reproduction, age at first reproduction, mating system, dispersal patterns and habitat requirements.”

“We feel that this can help us to understand the patterns of declines of this species and also to plan conservation actions with the greatest chances of success.”

Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies are infamously fussy when it comes to their habitat, so habitat modelling indicating the preferred landscape and site characteristics of these animals is crucial for the success of all future programs. Evidence of any particularly detrimental scenarios for their survival will also help prevent further decline.

Perhaps even more exciting, this project could be the basis for programs to help other species in the future. Countless animals could be saved by the knowledge the Queensland team provides.

The project will continue through to June 2007, but we eagerly await the results!

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