Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

The Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii) is a small nocturnal macropod that was originally common throughout coastal scrub, sclerophyll forests, heath and mallee ecosystems of southwestern Western Australia and southern South Australia and several offshore islands in the region. The wallaby is a herbivore, feeding primarily on grass, however it will also feed on a variety of herbs, shrubs and small trees. The mainland population has substantially declined since the 1890s due to habitat clearing, hunting, fire, predation by foxes and cats, and competition with rabbits.

Tammar Wallabies have been introduced onto three islands in South Australia (Boston Island near Port Lincoln, Greenly Island, and Victor Island). The species was also introduced to Kawau Island, New Zealand in about 1870, and Tammar Wallabies have also established populations at Rotorua in New Zealand. Genetic analysis suggests that the population on the North Island of New Zealand originated from animals from Kawau Island.

The species is listed as 'least concern' under the IUCN Red List. In Tasmania, Tammar Wallabies are 'controlled animals' under the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002.

Tammar Wallabies are regarded as an environmental and agricultural pest on Kangaroo Island and in New Zealand. On Kangaroo Island 20,000 to 40,000 wallabies are culled each year to protect crops. If the species established in Tasmania it is likely to impact on agriculture and compete with native species of wallabies.

There is a high likelihood of this species establishing in Tasmania, with potentially extreme consequences.

This risk assessment concludes that Tammar Wallabies are an extreme threat to Tasmania and recommends that imports be prohibited.

  Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii)   (723Kb)