Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Endangered Nabarlek Wallaby Sighted in Western Australia After 50-Year Absence

Conservationists have confirmed the presence of the endangered nabarlek, a small rock-wallaby, in two locations in Western Australia where it had not been scientifically recorded for 50 years.

The nabarlek, roughly the size of a loaf of bread, is a secretive marsupial that inhabits rocky areas. It is at risk from changing fire patterns and introduced predators.

The recent sightings were made using camera traps and genetic analysis to distinguish the nabarlek from similar-looking species like the monjon and short-eared rock-wallaby.

These new detections occurred in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, an area where nabarlek sightings on the mainland have been scarce and primarily from the mid-20th century.

The findings are significant as they suggest the nabarlek may be more widely distributed than previously thought, offering hope for its long-term survival.

Researchers are now seeking to understand the population size, breeding habits, diet, distribution, genetics, and threats facing these newly located nabarlek populations.

Further research is needed to assess the health of these populations and compare them to those found on nearby islands, ensuring the species is not disappearing from the mainland.

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