Distribution and Status of Rock-wallabies in The Northern Territory.

Abstract

Three species of rock-wallabies are currently known from the Northern Territory (N.T.). The Black-footed Rock-wallaby Petrogale lateralis is listed by ANZECC as vulnerable and N.T. populations are known to have declined over the past 40 years. The conservation status of the other two species from the N.T., the Short-eared Rock-wallaby Petrogale brachyotis and the Nabarlek Petrogale concinna is uncertain. Both species are officially listed as common however their ranges appear to be highly fragmented and populations have declined in several locations. Whilst there are populations of all three species represented in the N.T. reserve system there are currently no formal programs to monitor or manage these populations. The factors of most concern in relation to conservation of rock-wallabies in the N.T. are changes in fire regimes, grazing by feral and domestic stock and introduced predators.