Distribution and status of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby in south- eastern Australia

Short, J. and Milkovits, G. (1990) Distribution and status of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby in south- eastern Australia. Wildlife Research, 17 (2). pp. 169-179.

Abstract

The brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) remains relatively common in the upper reaches of many of the east-flowing rivers of the Great Dividing Range, particularly in south-eastern Queensland and northern and central New South Wales. However, it is now absent or rare in much of its former range west of the watershed of the Divide. The watershed splits the historical range of this species into two areas which differ in relief, rainfall, and land use. The area where rock-wallabies survive is characterised by greater topographic relief, higher rainfall and land use dominated by cattle grazing, forestry, or national parks rather than sheep grazing. It is likely that the influences of the exotic goat and fox are less to the east of the watershed. The few remaining populations to the west of the Great Dividing Range must be regarded as particularly vulnerable. Remnant populations will require suppression of goat and fox numbers for their long-term survival.