Predator Control

Predation is considered by many to be the most significant contemporary factor in reducing rock-wallaby numbers and is mentioned in almost all literature relating to rock-wallaby decline. The Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes, has been implicated as the main predator causing the drop in rock-wallaby numbers, restriction in distribution and prevention of juvenile recruitment.

Although not as well documented, predators other than the fox may have also impacted on rock-wallaby numbers, including Wild Dogs, Canis familiaris, and Feral Cats, Felis catus.

In one of the few long term studies involving a fox control program and rock-wallabies two populations of Black-footed Rock-wallaby, Peterogale lateralis, increased significantly over four years when afforded protection from foxes. Of another three populations not subjected to a fox control program, two declined.

Feral cats are know to have preyed upon other species of rock-wallabies. They have been observed within extant Victorian Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies. In addition to predation, feral cats pose a threat to Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies as carriers of disease (eg. toxoplasmosis).

In Victoria, it is acknowledged that foxes and wild dogs are the major threat to the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby. The recovery of the remaining wild colonies and the proposed establishment of new colonies based on the captive-breeding program, will depend on an effective predator control program.

Monitoring