Dama wallaby Sustainable eugenii Options Pest Control 16

Dama wallaby are also known as; Tammar, silver-grey or Island wallaby.

Description

One of the smallest wallaby species, dama wallaby stand up to half a metre tall. Adult females weigh around 5 kilograms, while males can weigh up to 7 kilograms. They are grey-brown in colour with a paler grey underbelly. A thin white-silver stripe runs from under the eye to the nose. Mature may have a patch of reddish brown colouring at the shoulder. 30 mm

Field sign Dama wallaby prints in soft mud Wallaby droppings In areas of sand or soft soil, the long narrow hind feet and tail of wallaby leave a characteristic track. The footprint of a wallaby is a two-pronged print with a large central toe extending further than the outer toe. Their faecal pellets are also comparatively distinctive, slightly larger than an individual deer pellet and often a tear-drop shape.

Origin

Formerly widespread in southern mainland , dama wallaby are now restricted to south-western Western Australia and southern South Australia. Wallaby were first introduced to around 1870 by Sir George Grey, when they were released onto Kawau Island. Dama wallaby, sourced from Kawau Island, were subsequently liberated near Lake Ōkāreka in 1912.

Where are they found?

Dama wallaby have become established in both exotic and native forest or scrub. Since 1912, they have spread west to Rotorua, east to Kawerau and south to about Rainbow Mountain; an area of approximately 200,000 ha. To the right is a map of the known distribution of wallabies, as at January 2012. Pest Animal Control 16 Dama Wallaby

How have they spread? Control methods How can we help?

As wallabies breed and disperse they Night shooting Bay of Plenty Regional Council Land can become established in new areas. On private farmland night-shooting Management staff are available Wallaby spread has been slowed by is an effective control option. to offer advice on wallaby control physical barriers such as the lakes Generally a scoped .22 LR is and will assist in identifying wallaby and rivers. In some cases dispersal adequate, although a .22 Magnum damage if required. beyond these barriers has been is more effective. Centrefire rifles aided by people. Although it may in .222 and .223 calibres are also DISCLAIMER: Information in this fact sheet be tempting to keep wallabies as effective. Effective nightshooting is regarding pesticides does not necessarily pets, it is an offence under the a skill and should only be attempted appear on the labels of the products Biosecurity Act (1993) to move by licensed, experienced shooters. concerned. Bay of Plenty Regional Council or release live wallabies. does not accept liability for any damage that may arise from the use of pesticides. Poisoning Mention of product trade names implies neither endorsement of those products nor Why are they a Limited poisoning options are criticism of similar products not mentioned. problem? available for wallaby. Only two pesticides (1080 and Feratox Wallaby feed on native tree seedlings, Cyanide capsules) are registered grasses and ferns to such an extent for use on wallaby. Both of these that over time they will limit the pesticides require the handler to hold regeneration of some species, a Controlled Substances Licence potentially altering the structure and their use is restricted by the and composition of our native Medical Officer of Health. Although forests. In exotic plantations they highly vulnerable to aerial or hand can damage pine and eucalyptus broadcast baiting, wallaby are seedlings. On farmland they compete reluctant to feed from some types with stock for pasture. of bait station. Where wallaby co-exist with possums, they are likely For more to be excluded from accessing bait information Status as a pest animal stations by the smaller, yet more contact a in the Bay of Plenty aggressive possum. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Wallaby are listed as a Containment CAUTION: When using Land Management Pest Animal in the Bay of Plenty pesticides please READ THE Officer. Regional Council’s Regional Pest LABEL thoroughly to ensure Management Plan (RPMP). They are that all instructions and safety defined as an Unwanted Organism requirements are followed. under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Rules in the RPMP and the Trapping Biosecurity Act make it an offence to knowingly communicate [move], Leg-hold trapping is not an release, sell, display or propagate appropriate or effective control Bay of Plenty Regional Council [breed] wallaby. method for wallaby. Because of their powerful hind legs they will  5 Quay Street, Whakatāne either suffer severe injuries or 1125 Arawa Street, Rotorua What can you do about pull out of leg-hold traps used for them? possums. Cage or fence traps can  Rata Street, Mount Maunganui be used to capture wallaby, although Report wallaby sightings this method is unlikely to control Post: PO Box 364, Whakatāne 3158 If you see a wallaby or wallaby sign an established population. Note west of Rotorua, east of Kawerau or that it is a legal requirement for all Phone: 0800 884 880 south of Rainbow Mountain, report live capture traps to be checked your sighting by phoning within 12 hours of sunrise the day Pollution Hotline: 0800 884 883 Email: [email protected] 0800 STOP PESTS (0800 780 773). after they are set. Website: www.boprc.govt.nz/ GDS15 PA16 pestmanagement