In a move showing Queensland and New South Wales can cooperate outside of the State of Origin, Australian Wildlife Conservancy ecologists recently undertook a mission to relocate the bridled nailtail wallaby to southwest New South Wales. The ecologists hope that by doing so they can enhance genetic diversity among the reintroduced population at Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary (Barkandji country). 

To undertake the move, a dozen ecologists, rangers from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and veterinarians from Village Roadshow Theme Parks used cage traps to capture twenty wallabies from QPWS’s Taunton National Park, inland from Rockhampton. Taunton is home to the only remaining population of this species, which was rediscovered in 1973 after three decades of presumed extinction.  

Twelve males and eight females were successfully captured, underwent health checks and cleared for transport, before being carefully transported by air in pet carriers on the three and a half-hour flight southward to their new sanctuary. 

Dr Rachel Ladd, AWC Wildlife ecologist, declared the translocation mission a success, stating “it was a massive effort, but the team secured the number of wallabies we set out to capture.”  

Kane Darby and Dr Rachel Ladd releasing a wallaby at Scotia. (Image: Brad Leue/ACW)

Initially reintroduced to Scotia in 1998 through a captive breeding program, these wallabies have flourished within the sanctuary's expanded 8,000-hectare predator-free environment. Over the years, strategic releases and enhanced conservation efforts have been crucial in stabilising and expanding their numbers, overcoming challenges such as severe droughts. 

The recent translocation of twenty individuals from Taunton to Scotia aims to enrich genetic diversity at the sanctuary. This initiative not only safeguards the species from outbreaks of disease, but also presents an opportunity to observe natural population dynamics in a secure habitat environment.  

“Native species like the bridled nailtail wallaby naturally experience cycles of population fluctuation in response to environmental conditions,” Dr. Ladd explained. 

“The recent decline presented an opportunity to enhance genetic diversity without introducing a large number of new individuals.” 

Equipped with tracking collars, the translocated wallabies have been released into the predator-free sanctuary area. Ongoing efforts will track their adaptation and progress over the coming year. With continued conservation initiatives and community support, Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a testament to successful wildlife preservation in Australia.   

Visit the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to learn more about their work with the bridled nailtail wallaby.  

Photo credits to Brad Leue and ACW.

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