Introduction of the Proserpine rock-wallaby Petrogale persephone from the Queensland mainland to nearby Hayman Island.

Abstract

Between 1998 and 2002, 27 ‘endangered’ Proserpine rock-wallabies Petrogale persephone were introduced from the Queensland mainland to Hayman Island. Site release selection was based on faunal, botanical, geological and ecological surveys carried out before the release. The eradication of a feral herbivorous competitor, the feral goat (Capra hircus), allowed the introduction to proceed. Eagle predation in the early part of the introduction necessitated all further introductions be carried out by soft release. Between 1999 and 2000, monitoring and non-invasive video surveillance has shown that this introduced population is breeding.