Distribution and Status of the Northern nailtail wallaby, Onychogalea unguifera (Gould, 1841)

Abstract

Past and present distributions of 0. unguifera were compared using data from museums, explorers' records and field surveys conducted during 1986-88. There is little evidence of a decline in geographical distribution or abundance of this species during the last century, although numbers may have declined locally in parts of the West Kimberley in Western Australia. At present 0. unguifera is moderately common between latitudes 16° and 19°S. in the Northern Territory and western Queensland and in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. It is uncommon towards the northern and southern limits of its range in each State. These limits correspond to latitudes 12°-14°S. and 20°-22°S. respectively. 0. unguifera appears to be under no immediate threat. However, its preferred habitats are poorly represented in National Parks and other conservation reserves throughout northern Australia, and this situation should be remedied.