INDIGENOUS RANGERS RALLY TO PROTECT RARE ROCK-WALLABIES AFTER DEVASTATING WILDFIRE

In the rugged Kimberley region of northwest Australia, a dedicated team of Indigenous rangers is working tirelessly to safeguard one of the country's rarest and most vulnerable creatures – the wiliji, a distinct subspecies of the black-footed rock-wallaby. Discover how their efforts have become even more crucial in the wake of a devastating wildfire that swept through the wallabies' habitat, threatening this already endangered population.

Nurturing a species on rocky Country

The wiliji is a true Kimberley local, found nowhere else on Earth. 

With populations now restricted to just three locations – the Grant, Edgar, and Erskine Ranges – every individual counts in the fight for the species' survival. The Erskine Range, known as Malarabba by Nyikina Mangala People, is home to the largest and most densely populated group of wiliji, making it a focal point for conservation efforts.

Rallying to recover from recent devastating wildfire

In November 2023, disaster struck. A wildfire tore through 75% of the wiliji's habitat in the Erskine Range, leaving the small marsupials in a precarious situation. The Nyikina Mangala Rangers, part of the Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation (WAC), were quick to sound the alarm. These rangers, who have been monitoring the wiliji populations with sensor cameras, recognised the gravity of the situation immediately.

William Watson, Head Ranger of the Nyikina Mangala Ranger Group, emphasises the cultural significance of their work: "The wiliji means a lot to the ranger group because it's a very important species here, belongs to the Kimberley, so we've got a job to look after it properly."

Recognising the urgent need for intervention

Scientific analysis of sensor camera data revealed the stark reality of the wiliji's plight. The Erskine Range population, which had been on an encouraging upward trend from 75 individuals in 2018 to 160 in 2021, plummeted to just 108 in the aftermath of the fire. This dramatic decline underscored the urgent need for intervention.

Confronting the emergency through innovation

In February, the rangers launched a critical mission to provide supplementary food for the struggling wiliji population. Six metal turkey feeders, filled with nutritious kangaroo pellets, were strategically placed throughout the Erskine Range habitat. This emergency measure aimed to sustain the wallabies until their natural food sources could recover from the fire's impact.

"It's very necessary because the wiliji are suffering hard times after the big fire," Mr Watson explained during the feeder placement operation.

Nick Weigner, WWF-Australia's Kimberley Program Coordinator, highlighted the importance of this intervention: "When large wildfires go over the rocks and burn out their food, the wiliji are forced to forage out in the lowlands where there are more predators. By supplying supplementary food, we hope the wiliji don't have to leave the safety of their rocky homes."

Vital conservation only possible through collaboration

This vital conservation work wouldn't be possible without the support of partners who understand the urgency of protecting Australia's unique wildlife. Lotterywest, WWF-Australia, and the Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species (FAME) all played crucial roles in funding and supporting the supplementary feeding mission.

Protecting the wiliji's habitat from future threats

While the immediate food scarcity crisis has been addressed, the wiliji face ongoing threats that require constant vigilance. Sensor cameras have revealed the presence of feral cats and, alarmingly, foxes in the wiliji's territory. Foxes, in particular, pose a significant danger, especially to the already vulnerable Grant Range population.

In response, the ranger team has initiated feral pest management strategies across all three wiliji locations. They also practice Traditional fire management techniques to protect the wallabies' habitat from future wildfires.

New hopes arise from recent camera survey findings

Amidst the challenges, there are glimmers of hope. A recent sensor camera image captured a pair of wiliji mating at Erskine Range – a heartening sign that the population is resilient and fighting to recover.

The road ahead

The story of the wiliji is far from over. As vegetation slowly recovers through Malarabba, the supplementary feeding stations have been removed, marking the end of this emergency intervention. However, the work of the Nyikina Mangala Rangers continues unabated.

Lane Broome, a Nyikina Mangala Ranger, emphasises the importance of ongoing support: "It gives us access to new equipment and gives us more knowledge about the wiliji and what we need to do to protect them."

The rangers are also calling on the public to play their part. Drivers on the Great Northern Highway near the Erskine Range are urged to be cautious and watch out for wiliji that may venture near the road.

A shared responsibility

The plight of the wiliji serves as a powerful reminder of the unique and irreplaceable nature of sacred native wildlife. It also highlights the critical role that Indigenous rangers play in protecting cultural and natural heritage on Country. The Nyikina Mangala Rangers’ deep connection to the land, combined with scientific monitoring and conservation techniques, offers the best hope for species like the wiliji.

As this very special species faces the challenges of a changing climate and increasing environmental pressures, the collaborative efforts to protect it stand unwavering. It shows what can be achieved when Traditional Knowledge, modern science and a shared commitment to conservation come together. With continued support and dedication, we can ensure that these remarkable rock-dwellers will continue to call the Kimberley home for generations to come.

This vital conservation work is made possible through the support of Lotterywest and FAME.