The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata can still be found living in rocky, remote areas in and around the Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran. NSW, Australia. The Warrumbungles population of Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby was listed as an endangered population in 1997. It is currently estimated to be only between 15 and 50 individuals. They are living at the most western extreme of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby's known range. In July 2003 the status of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in NSW was changed from vulnerable to endangered so the particular endangered population status no longer applies. However, the Warrumbungles population remains of special concern.

The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is a small, attractive animal with distinctive facial markings and a long bushy tail. It displays amazing agility in moving up and down sheer rock faces and is found associated with steep, rugged, rocky sites. Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies are usually found in small groups or colonies using a number of rocky sites. Seven colonies, each consisting of from one to ten individuals, have been located in the Warrumbungles although there is concern that several of these may have died out or moved.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service together with community groups (Coonabarabran Landcare Group, Goorianawa Landcare Group, Warrumbungle Landcare Group and Friends of the Warrumbungle Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby) and local landowners (adjoining the National Park) have taken steps to try to arrest the decline in rock-wallaby numbers and encourage some increase. This has been principally done by population monitoring (using scats or dung), community awareness, fox baiting, aerial control of feral goats and fire control. There has been some initial positive signs from this strategy including a significanf reduction in fox numbers and the noting of juvenile wallabies in one colony.

If you would like to join or help the Friends of the Warrumbungle Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and assist in the preservation this unique endangered wallaby please contact us. Details are on the Contacts page.