Brush-tailed rock-wallaby
The southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby (not a subspecies, but an “evolutionarily significant unit”) used to be common in southeastern Australia. In the past, they were intensively hunted for their fur, but now the biggest threat to them is changes in the environment, food competition from domestic goats and sheep and the negative effects of non-native predators, such as feral cats and, in particular, foxes. Last but not least, the loss of genetic diversity is a significant threat.
The southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby in Mt. Rothwell. Photo: Miroslav Bobek, Prague Zoo
In the State of Victoria, the southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby is classified as a critically endangered species. In addition to the roughly 40 individuals living in the wild in the Snowy River National Park, there were about 150 in the Mt. Rothwell Private Reserve near Melbourne when the bushfires broke out; some of these wallabies were transported to Mt. Rothwell from areas affected by the fires. Prague Zoo started to support Mt. Rothwell primarily with regard to its fire safety. However, it also contributes to the conservation of the southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies through Zoos Victoria.
The brush-tailed rock-wallaby belongs to a large group of wallabies that, unlike the better-known red kangaroos, are adept at climbing trees and rocks thanks to their sharp claws and strong legs. During the day they look for shelter in rock crevices, caves or under overhangs. They are especially active at dusk when they go out to graze. They live in territorial family groups, consisting of a dominant male and several related females with their young. Female usually raises just one joey per year.
ZOOPRAHA.CZ
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- The Prague zoological garden
U Trojskeho zamku 120/3
171 00 Praha 7
Phone.: (+420) 296 112 230 (public relations department)
e-mail: zoopraha@zoopraha.cz
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