Bringing back warru: initiation and implementation of the South Australian Warru Recovery Plan
John L. Read A C and Matthew J. Ward A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
B South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources, GPO Box 1047, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: ecological@activ8.net.au
Australian Mammalogy 33(2) 214-220 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM10040
Submitted: 29 October 2010 Accepted: 5 July 2011 Published: 12 September 2011
Abstract
The warru, or black-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race), has continued to declined dramatically in range and abundance in South Australia over the last 80 years, and is now considered to be one of the state’s most endangered species. This paper documents key indicators of this decline and provides context for both the formation of the Warru Recovery Team, and the development of the objectives and actions of the Warru Recovery Plan. Warru decline is considered to be a symptom of ecosystem dysfunction in the central Australian ranges, yet warru recovery provides an opportunity for broadscale ecosystem recovery in this remote region. Full engagement of Anangu, research-based adaptive ecosystem management, and inclusive, strategic and sustainable management of the recovery process, are considered integral to meeting the objectives of the Warru Recovery Plan.
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