FAME and WWF Australia will unite specifically to initiate a project to protect the Wiliji or West Kimberley Rock-Wallaby. Together, the partnership will co-fund support for the Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation and work of the Nyikina Mangala Rangers to improve the conservation of the endangered Wiliji.
Photos courtesy WWF Australia
EPBC:
VulnerableIUCN:
Threats:
Project Location:
West Kimberley, WA
The Project
Found exclusively on Nyikina Mangala Country and a culturally important endangered species, this Rock-wallaby is a gorgeous creature. Medium-sized with a body mass of 2.8-4.5 kg, its tail is about the same length as the combined length of the head and body. Shy by nature, this short, woolly, brushy-tailed wallaby has textured soles of its feet to grip the rocks that it hops over and among.
Unsurprisingly, the principal threats to its survival are predation by the introduced red fox and feral cats and, of course, fires that degrade habitat and reduce food supply and shelter. By focusing on threat management and in turn enhancing habitat, we can increase population numbers and distribution and prevent extinction of this species.
Working with WWF as a funding partner, the project combines local knowledge and expertise with modern technology in the hope we will protect the Wiliji for generations to come.
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