FROM THE WHEATBELT TO THE WILD: MORE BLACK-FLANKED ROCK-WALLABIES RETURN TO KALBARRI AFTER 20 YEAR DISAPPEARANCE

In honour of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we're excited to share a heartwarming conservation success story that's unfolding in Western Australia's Kalbarri National Park. It's a tale of rediscovery, hope and the power of collaborative conservation efforts.

The Comeback Kid: Black-flanked Rock-wallabies

The black-flanked rock-wallaby, also known as the black-footed rock-wallaby, is a small, agile marsupial perfectly adapted to life among rocky outcrops and caves. 

These nimble creatures were once common across much of Australia, but like many of our unique native species, they've faced significant challenges in recent decades.

In Kalbarri National Park, these charismatic wallabies were thought to be extinct for two decades. But nature has a way of surprising us, and in 2015, a glimmer of hope emerged. Rock climbers stumbled upon a tiny population of black-flanked rock-wallabies, clinging to existence in the park's rugged terrain.

This discovery sparked a wave of excitement and a renewed commitment to bringing these wallabies back from the brink. It's a reminder of why we at WWF-Australia never give up hope, even when a species seems lost.

A Collaborative Effort: The Translocation Project

Building on this unexpected find, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) launched an ambitious translocation project. In a true display of cross-regional cooperation, a further 44 black-flanked rock-wallabies were recently moved from Nangeen Hill Nature Reserve in the Wheatbelt to Kalbarri National Park. This is the latest milestone in a translocation effort that began in 2016, when 23 rock-wallabies were flown in, followed by another 24 in 2017. On 15 May 2018, another 25 were transported to the park, including five from Cape Range National Park to help increase the genetic diversity of the recovering population.

This kind of translocation is no small feat. It required careful planning, expert handling, and even a private plane to transport the wallabies safely to their new home. The dedication of the DBCA rangers, WWF staff, and all involved in this nocturnal operation is truly commendable.

Anthony Desmond, DBCA's regional leader for conservation, explained the rationale behind the move: "We're moving them here because their numbers have built up quite strongly there with good cat and fox protection on Nangeen Hill Nature Reserve and this is a chance to take some and put them back into Kalbarri again."

This strategy of reinforcing fragile populations with individuals from more robust ones is a key tool in modern conservation. It helps boost genetic diversity and increases the overall resilience of the species.

Indigenous Knowledge and Conservation

One of the most heartening aspects of this project is the involvement of Indigenous rangers. Victor Mourambine, an acting senior ranger and Nanda man, shared a poignant perspective on the wallabies' return:

"Back in the old days, the old people used to talk about them being in the gorge," he said. "Now, to be a part of translocating, trapping them, and keeping an eye on now, the second one, from a Nanda point of view, and as a Nanda person, I think it's really exciting."

This connection between Traditional Knowledge and modern conservation efforts is something WWF-Australia strongly supports. Indigenous people have been custodians of Australia's landscapes for tens of thousands of years, and their insights are invaluable in our shared mission to protect and restore our unique wildlife.

A History of Hope

The recent translocation builds on earlier successes. Between 2016 and 2017, 72 rock-wallabies were released into Kalbarri National Park. These pioneers were initially monitored using radio collars, allowing researchers to track their movements and survival rates.

As the population began to establish itself, the collars were removed and monitoring shifted to less invasive methods like remote cameras. This ongoing surveillance has yielded encouraging results, with wallabies being recorded at various locations throughout the park.

One particularly exciting sighting occurred at the Kalbarri Skywalk, a considerable distance from the original release sites. This suggests that the wallabies are not only surviving but exploring and expanding their range within the park.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the return of black-flanked rock-wallabies to Kalbarri is cause for celebration, we must remain vigilant. These small marsupials face ongoing threats from introduced predators like foxes and feral cats, habitat loss and climate change.

Continued management efforts, including predator control and habitat protection, will be crucial to ensure the long-term success of this reintroduced population. It's a reminder that conservation is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment.

The Road Ahead

The story of the black-flanked rock-wallabies in Kalbarri National Park is more than just a conservation success—it's a symbol of hope. It shows us that with dedication, collaboration, and the right approaches, we can turn the tide for Australia's threatened species.

At WWF-Australia, we're proud to be part of efforts like these, working alongside government agencies, Indigenous communities, and local groups to protect our unique wildlife. The return of these agile rock-hoppers to Kalbarri is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.

More than 2,000 of our Aussie animals and plants are at risk of extinction. Join thousands of Australians who are calling on our government to strengthen our national nature laws to protect our wildlife and the places they call home.