14 April 2026
In the rocky escarpments of southern Queensland, the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) occurs in small, scattered populations. These agile marsupials depend on intact habitat and safe movement across the landscape. Yet habitat fragmentation and introduced predators continue to place them under pressure.
Backed by national support
In May 2024, Wildlife Queensland’s Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Conservation Network received grant funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program to improve the population trajectory of this vulnerable species across the northern part of its range.
This support enabled targeted action in priority areas where reducing threats could make an immediate difference. Now complete, it has delivered strong on-ground results and is shaping what comes next.
Reducing pressure where it matters
The project focused on one of the most direct threats to rock-wallabies, predation by foxes. By reducing fox activity across key habitats, the team improved brush-tailed rock-wallaby survival rates, allowing populations to stabilise and grow.
Field conditions were not always straightforward. Weather events, park closures and funding delays affected timing, while non-target species sometimes took baits, and equipment did not always cooperate. These are common challenges in field conservation, and the team adapted to keep the work on track.
The outcome is clear. The project met or exceeded its targets, with a noticeable decline in fox activity across treated areas. For species such as the brush-tailed rock-wallaby, even short-term reductions in predator pressure can improve breeding success and juvenile survival.
“We faced plenty of obstacles, but we got the job done and met our targets. There are definitely fewer foxes around now, and with extra funding we can build on this progress and start to see measurable increases in rock-wallaby populations,” said Project Officer Paul Revie.
Understanding the bigger picture
As part of this project, Dr Felicity Charles at The University of Queensland helped us explain a deeper challenge facing the species*.
Analysing more than 500 records collected over three decades, this study found that many rock-wallaby populations are isolated from one another, limiting movement and reducing long-term resilience. Of concern was that of the 115 populations in southern Queensland, 31 are geographically isolated, and 43 populations were potentially locally extinct, with only pre-2014 records. This highlights just how much still needs to be done to save this species. Vegetation quality, terrain and climate strongly influence where wallabies can move, and more than half of the populations identified show low connectivity.
Some populations could be reconnected through existing habitat, but many will require active restoration. This includes rebuilding vegetation, improving habitat connectivity and managing threats such as invasive plants, fire regimes and feral predators. These actions are essential to support safe movement across the landscape and to maintain viable populations over time.
Continuing the work
The work to protect brush-tailed rock-wallabies continues thanks to the inspiring generosity of Wildlife Queensland supporters through last year’s Christmas Appeal. We are now able to continue this vital predator control, monitoring and habitat management for some of our most at-risk populations. Your support has directly allowed this work to continue and build on the gains already made.
Conservation is never a one-off effort. Recovering threatened species requires persistence, evidence-based action and ongoing community support. While this work has helped reduce immediate threats it has also identified where longer-term investment and coordinated action are needed. Together, these efforts provide a strong foundation and a clear path forward for the recovery of this amazing species.
On behalf of everyone involved, and the wildlife we are working to protect, thank you. The progress achieved so far would not have been possible without the dedicated project officers and a community willing to stand behind long-term conservation efforts.
Help protect Queensland’s wildlife.
With your continued support, Wildlife Queensland can continue to reduce threats, restore habitat, and strengthen connections between populations. Every contribution helps secure a future for the brush-tailed rock-wallaby and the landscapes it depends on. Support us today.
What you can do
- Download Wildlife Queensland’s Saving the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby: A Landholder’s Guide to help the Vulnerable macropod in your area.
- Symbolically adopt a brush-tailed rock-wallaby to help our on-the-ground projects.
- Learn more about Wildlife Queensland’s Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Conservation Network.
- Subscribe to our eBulletin Talking Wildlife to learn more about your local wildlife, plus Wildlife Queensland’s latest news, offers and events.
*Charles FE, Revie P, Smith AL (2026). Maintaining and restoring population connectivity of the vulnerable brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). Report for the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland
This project received grant funding from the Australian Government Saving Native Species Program.