Endangered Nabarlek Rock-Wallaby Detected in Western Australia After 50-Year Absence
For the first time in half a century, the nabarlek, recognized as the second-smallest rock-wallaby globally, has been photographed in a secluded area of Western Australia. The endangered marsupial was documented by conservationists and the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation at two locations within the Dambeemangaddee lands in the Kimberley region. Roughly the size of a loaf of bread, the nabarlek faces threats from fire and predators. Its identity was verified through camera traps and genetic testing. Senior field ecologist Larissa Potter described the finding as "exciting" for the species' survival. The nabarlek's habitat spans northern Australia, with few sightings, and it has not been recorded in the Victoria River District for 170 years. Ecologists aim to investigate its population and the challenges it faces.
Key facts
- The nabarlek is the world's second-smallest rock-wallaby.
- It was detected at two sites in Western Australia where it had not been scientifically recorded for 50 years.
- The discovery was made by Australian conservationists and the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation.
- The nabarlek is endangered due to shifting fire regimes and introduced predators.
- It is the only wallaby that can continually replace its molar teeth.
- The species looks nearly identical to the monjon and has genes similar to the short-eared rock-wallaby.
- In the Victoria River District, the nabarlek hasn't been seen for 170 years and is assumed locally extinct.
- The new records are the first in mainland Dambeemangaddee Country in over five decades.
Entities
Artists
- Larissa Potter
- Inga Pedersen
- Dylan Oobagooma
- Ian Bool
- Tom Sayers
- Carlyn Kranking
Institutions
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy
- Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation
- Smithsonian magazine
- Smithsonian Magazine
- PetaPixel
Locations
- Augustus Island
- Western Australia
- Australia
- Dambeemangaddee Country
- Kimberley region
- Victoria River District
- Northern Territory
- Yampi Sound Training Area