A culturally significant conservation milestone, more than 40 years in the making, is set to be realised with the return of the yellow-footed rock wallaby to the Western Ridge on Mutawintji Lands north-east of Broken Hill.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), in partnership with the Mutawintji Board of Management, will soon begin the long-planned translocation shortly. The NSW Government has committed $450,000 through its Saving our Species and Feral Predator-Free Area (FPFA) programs to support the project.
The return of the yellow-footed rock wallaby forms part of Wangarru Wanaalypi, which means 'the returning of Wangarru', an Aboriginal-led conservation program dedicated to restoring and protecting this culturally significant species.
Once widespread across Mutawintji Lands, the yellow-footed rock wallaby population is now isolated to just two adjacent ranges. Reintroducing the species to Western Ridge, located opposite the campground and identified as a Feral Predator-Free Area (FPFA) site, will help to re-establish the species in part of its former range and strengthen its long-term survival.
The initiative has been a priority of the Mutawintji Board of Management for decades and is identified within the Mutawintji Lands Plan of Management. Conservation efforts date back to aerial surveys conducted in the 1980s and were further supported by the purchase of Mutawintji Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area specifically for the protection of the species.
In preparation for the translocation, an intensive goat management program has removed more than 30,000 feral goats over the past 12 months, significantly improving habitat quality.
Western Ridge was selected due to its history as former yellow-footed rock wallaby habitat and its improved environmental condition following sustained pest management.
The implementation of Wangarru Wanaalypi this year formalises and strengthens ongoing conservation efforts led by the Mutawintji Board of Management, ensuring cultural knowledge and ecological science continue to work together.
NPWS and the Mutawintji Board of Management will carefully monitor the translocated wallabies to support their establishment and long-term success.
Quotes attributed to the Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:
"The return of the yellow-footed rock wallaby to Western Ridge is a landmark conservation achievement and a powerful example of Aboriginal-led environmental stewardship.
"After more than 40 years of planning and persistence, we're restoring this iconic species to part of its former range and strengthening its future in NSW.
"Significant investment in feral animal control has transformed this landscape, creating the right conditions for the yellow-footed rock wallaby to thrive once again."
Quotes attributed to the Chairperson of the Mutawintji Board of Management, Warlpa Thompson:
"Wangarru Wanaalypi represents decades of cultural commitment to bringing the yellow-footed rock wallaby back to Country.
"This project is deeply important to our people - the return of this species strengthens culture, Country and community.
"Through strong partnerships and Aboriginal leadership, we are ensuring the yellow-footed rock wallaby has a future on Mutawintji Lands."
