Distribution and Status of the Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby in South-Eastern Australia

摘要

The brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) remains relatively common in the upper reachesnof many of the east-flowing rivers of the Great Dividing Range, particularly in south-eastern Queenslandnand northern and central New South Wales. However, it is now absent or rare in much of its formernrange west of the watershed of the Divide. The watershed splits the historical range of this speciesninto two areas which differ in relief, rainfall, and land use. The area where rock-wallabies survive isncharacterised by greater topographic relief, higher rainfall and land use dominated by cattle grazing,nforestry, or national parks rather than sheep grazing. It is likely that the influences of the exoticngoat and fox are less to the east of the watershed. The few remaining populations to the west of thenGreat Dividing Range must be regarded as particularly vulnerable. Remnant populations will requirensuppression of goat and fox numbers for their long-term survival.