Rock-wallaby makes Jump Back from Extinction

Central Coast based conservation organisation Waterfall Springs Wildlife Sanctuary are celebrating an historic achievement in the recovery of the critically endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby species after participating in the first wild release of captive bred animals into the Grampians National Park last Wednesday.

Described by organisers as an amazing, incredible and exciting occasion, 10 captive bred wallabies were released by recovery team staff and major sponsors into the park in an effort to re-establish a wild colony that had known to exist but become extinct to the region.

Launched by the Secretary of Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environment Peter Harris, Waterfall Springs were duly recognised as a leading participant in the unique organisational partnership working together to save the species.

The event attended by over 100 representatives including program stakeholders, sponsors, local schools and community groups was described by threatened species experts as an incredible outcome for science and proof of successful conservation actions backed by research and expertise.

Waterfall Springs Communications Officer Karen O’Mara said that “the shy but beautiful Rock-wallaby used to be abundant along the east coast ranges of Australia but had drastically declined in numbers since European settlement.”

“Because of early hunting, only a few hundred brush-tailed rock-wallabies remain in central NSW and less than 20 are known to remain in the wild in Victoria” she said.

“Today the species are struggling to survive because of ongoing predation by foxes, competition for food and habitat loss”.

O’Mara said that “although along with many of Australians threatened macropods the future of the brush-tailed rock wallaby looks bleak, the release of the wallabies back into the Grampians National Park ecosystem was a positive venture for threatened species management”.

O’Mara said “to be part of this conservation first is a major achievement for Waterfall Springs. We have been working for over 15 years to help bring the brush-tailed rock-wallaby back from the verge of extinction and set the example of what can be achieved through community commitment and cooperation”.

“Too little too late is devastating so we encourage everyone to help us save this iconic wildlife species” O’Mara said.

Media Contact: Karen O’Mara 0415 326 762