THREATENED SPECIES SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Established under the Environment Protection and Conservation Act 1999

The Minister’s delegate approved this Conservation Advice on 16/12/2016.

Conservation Advice Onychogalea fraenata

bridled nailtail wallaby

Conservation Status Onychogalea fraenata (bridled nailtail wallaby) is listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act) effective 16 July 2000. The species was eligible for listing under the EPBC Act as on 16 July 2000 it was listed as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the preceding Act, the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (Cwlth).

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation. For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation, see http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

The main factor that caused the species to be eligible for listing in the Endangered category was a severe reduction in population size and distribution.

The Committee notes that the Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012 (Woinarski et al., 2014) reviewed the conservation status of all Australian mammals and the review of the bridled nailtail wallaby considered it to be Vulnerable. This differs from the current EPBC Act status, which was determined when the species was grandfathered in from the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (Cwlth). The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) is using the findings of Woinarski et al. (2014) to prioritise future reassessment of the conservation status of each of threatened mammals listed under the EPBC Act.

Information in this Conservation Advice, particularly the sections on the distribution and threats, draws on the recent assessment of Woinarski et al. (2014). Any substantive additional sources of information have been cited within the Conservation Advice.

Description The bridled nailtail wallaby is a medium-sized macropod that is distinctively marked, possessing a white “bridle” line running from the centre of the neck along the shoulder to behind the forearm, on each side of the body. A black dorsal stripe runs the length of the body and white cheek stripes are present on both sides of the head (Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry 2005). The species has a horny “nail” at the tip of the tail that is between 3 - 6 mm and is partly concealed by hair (Evans 1992). The species is sexually dimorphic with females being smaller than males. Females have an adult body weight of 4 - 6 kg and males have an adult body weight of 5 - 8 kg (Gordon 1983; Evans 1992).

Distribution The historical distribution of the bridled nailtail wallaby extended across inland eastern Australia, from north-central Victoria to near Ravenswood in . The bridled nailtail wallaby is now restricted to the following locations:

• Taunton National Park, (area of occupancy: 4 km 2) – the only remaining natural subpopulation • Avocet Nature Refuge, central Queensland (area of occupancy: 2 km 2) – reintroduced subpopulation

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• Scotia Sanctuary, New South Wales (area of occupancy: 80 km 2) – introduced, free-ranging subpopulation, in two adjacent fenced areas

Relevant Biology/Ecology The preferred of bridled nailtail wallabies is the narrow band of transitional vegetation that separates dense Acacia scrub from open grassy eucalypt woodland (Tierney 1985). Within Taunton National Park, bridled nailtail wallabies are found in the following vegetation types (Tierney 1985):

• open grassy eucalypt woodland dominated by Eucalyptus populnea (poplar box) • dense acacia forest dominated by (brigalow) • transitional vegetation intermediate between the woodland and forest areas of very dense brigalow regrowth

Based on research carried out on the only remaining natural population, bridled nailtail wallabies are considered to be edge specialists (Evans 1996), relying on dense vegetation for cover from predation, and open for food resources (such as pasture) (Fisher 2000). Radio-tracking studies identified that core feeding ranges are centred in the ecotone between pasture and brigalow regrowth (Evans 1992), except during periods of drought when individuals are forced to forage further into open habitat (Fisher 1999).

Bridled nailtail wallabies are solitary and nocturnal, requiring diurnal shelter. They prefer to shelter inside hollow logs (Fisher 1999) but also shelter under young brigalow regrowth, shrubs (e.g. Carrisa ovata ) and dense grass (Evans 1992). Shelter location may change from day to day, but individuals use their own shelter sites repeatedly (Tierney 1985; Evans 1992; Fisher 2000). Individuals shelter alone with the exception of males and oestrus females, and females with young-at-foot (Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry 2005).

Home-ranges for bridled nailtail wallabies at Taunton National Park exhibit high levels of both intersexual and intrasexual overlap. Males have a home-range of approximately 60 ha. Females have a significantly smaller home-range of approximately 25 ha (Evans 1992).

Bridled nailtail wallabies have a diverse intake of plant types including herbaceous plants (grasses and forbs) and browse (Dawson et al., 1992). Patterns of intake vary in accordance with resource availability. Bridled nailtail wallabies prefer forbs (such as malvaceous plants), eating grasses when forbs are scarce (Dawson et al., 1992). Browse is an important component of the species’ diet when the availability of forbs and grasses is low (Ellis et al., 1992).

At Taunton National Park, important plants for bridled nailtail wallabies are:

• Herbaceous forbs, including pigweeds (e.g. Portulaca oleraceae ) • Daisies (e.g. Helipterum species, Trianthema triquetra (red spinach) and Zaleya galericulata. • Monocots (e.g. Sporobolus caroli (fairy grass), Chloris divaricata (slender chloris) and other windmill grasses, Dactyloctenium radulans (button grass) and Bothriochloa bladhii (blue grass ) (Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry 2005). • During very dry periods Eremophila mitchelli (false sandalwood) forms a large proportion of the diet (Ellis et al., 1992).

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Bridled nailtail wallabies may breed continuously, with up to three young raised per female per year when seasonal conditions are good (Fisher & Goldizen 2001). Females are able to breed one to two months after permanent pouch emergence (Johnson 1997), reaching sexual maturity at around 6 months old (Fisher & Lara 1999), while males reach sexually maturity around 9 months old in captivity (Johnson 1997). The mean lifespan of bridled nailtail wallabies in the wild is 5.8 years (Fisher et al., 2000). Generation time (based on a matrix population model of Taunton National Park demographic data) is 2.6 years (Fisher et al., 2000). Population growth of bridled nailtail wallabies is most sensitive to adult mortality (Fisher et al., 2000).

Threats Table 1 – Threats impacting the bridled nailtail wallaby in order of current severity of risk, based on available evidence.

Threat factor Threat type Evidence base and status Predation Predation by known At Scotia Sanctuary, staged releases of 140 individuals foxes ( Vulpes current outside the predator-proof exclosure failed as a result of fox vulpes ) predation. At the time of release, an intense fox-baiting campaign reduced fox densities at the site by seven fold, but low fox numbers were nonetheless sufficient to be the major cause of the collapse of the released subpopulation.

Predation by foxes is considered to be the cause of failed translocation attempts at . Predation by known Predation by cats is a demonstrated cause of mortality for cats ( Felis current bridled nailtail wallabies (Fisher & Goldizen 2001; Fisher et catus ) al., 2001; Horsup & Evans 1993). Population modelling at Taunton National Park demonstrated that predation of juvenile bridled nailtail wallabies by cats during drought was sufficient to cause a decline in subpopulation size (Fisher et al., 2001). Predation by known Studies at Taunton National Park demonstrated that wild dogs current significant changes in the subpopulation of bridled nailtail (Canis lupis wallabies were correlated with the extent of dog control. familiaris ) and Dogs were found to be a major cause of mortality of bridled -dog nailtail wallabies. Predation by dogs caused some mortality hybrids to released animals at Scotia, although their impact was minimal compared to fox predation (Hayward et al., 2012). Predation by known Predation by dingoes is a demonstrated cause of mortality dingoes ( Canis current for bridled nailtail wallabies (Fisher et al., 2001). Fisher lupus dingo ) (1999) found that half of all deaths of radio-collared adult bridled nailtail wallabies between 1994 and 1997 were due to dingoes.

[It is noted that the information available does not distinguish the level of threat between wild dogs, dingoes and dingo-dog hybrids – instead considering all as a single threat].

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Climate Reduced known Drought is a demonstrated cause of severe population habitat and food current decline in bridled nailtail wallabies (Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry resources 2005). The mortality rate of juveniles is higher in drought resulting from conditions (Fisher et al., 2001). Juveniles are prone to drought increased predation during drought, particularly from cats, as ground cover is reduced (Fisher 2000; Fisher et al., 2001) and individuals are forced to forage in more open habitats (Fisher 2000). Malnourishment in juveniles has been observed during drought when females are not able to provide a sufficient milk supply due to the high cost of lactation (Fisher et al., 2001). Habitat loss, disturbance and modifications Habitat known Habitat for the bridled nailtail wallaby is threatened by degradation current invasive weed species, in particular, buffel grass ( Cenchrus from weeds ciliaris ). Buffel grass degrades the species’ habitat by dominating the ground storey and forming a dense cover that excludes most herbaceous species. This reduces food resources for the bridled nailtail wallaby and may impact of the species’ movement through the landscape. Buffel grass is widespread in Taunton National Park (Curtis 2012; Donaldson et al., 2012; Melzer et al., 2014). Habitat clearing known Habitat loss and fragmentation associated with historical past clearing for agriculture and stock pasture, particularly in central Queensland, contributed significantly to past declines of bridled nailtail wallabies (Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry 2005). Habitat clearing is no longer a threat to known bridled nailtail wallaby subpopulations which are located within conservation reserves. Impacts of domestic species Habitat known Habitat degradation and resource depletion by grazing degradation past livestock, especially sheep, is considered a major cause of and resource historic declines in bridled nailtail wallabies (Lundie-Jenkins depletion by & Lowry 2005). Sheep predominantly graze on forbs, the livestock preferred food of bridled nailtail wallabies (Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry 2005). Where past grazing has occurred within areas occupied by bridled nailtail wallabies, it is likely that sheep have outcompeted bridled nailtail wallabies for food resources. Livestock grazing does not currently threaten bridled nailtail wallabies. Fire Wildfire suspected Wildfire is likely to reduce vegetation cover and increase the current risk of predation. Thus the occurrence of wildfire threatens subpopulations due to the limited number of individuals and limited area of suitable habitat for the species (Lundie- Jenkins & Lowry 2005). Parasites Toxoplasmosis potential Toxoplasmosis and parasites, such as hydatid tapeworm, and parasites current are known to cause death in bridled nailtail wallabies (Fisher et al., 2001; Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry 2005).

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Persecution Persecution by known Large numbers of bridled nailtail wallabies were killed by pastoralists past pastoralists in the early 1900s (Lundie-Jenkins & Lowry 2005). Such actions do not currently threaten bridled nailtail wallabies.

Conservation Actions

Conservation and Management priorities Predation

o Undertake control programs for foxes, cats, wild dogs and dingoes at sites of all unfenced subpopulations, particularly immediately following fire events. o Maintain biosecurity measures at the fenced subpopulations. Habitat loss, disturbance and modifications

o Develop and implement appropriate methods for creating habitat mosaics to increase the amount of suitable habitat for bridled nailtail wallabies. o Provide discrete shelter, such as hollow logs, in areas of known subpopulations where sufficient cover for bridled nailtail wallabies is lacking. o Undertake supplementary feeding at sites of unfenced subpopulations during drought, where appropriate. o Maintain control programs for invasive grasses, particularly buffel grass, at sites of all subpopulations. Fire

o Implement an appropriate fire management regime using ‘cool’ prescribed burns for protecting key refuge habitat for bridled nailtail wallabies, including the creation of buffers to prevent wildfire from impacting subpopulations. o Provide maps of known occurrences to local and state Rural Fire Services and seek inclusion of mitigation measures in bush fire risk management plan/s, risk registers and/or operation maps. Breeding, propagation and other ex situ conservation action

o Translocate individuals to appropriate sites, accompanied by appropriate management of key threats, within the former range to form new subpopulations. o Translocate individuals to known sites to restore or supplement small subpopulations, where appropriate.

Stakeholder Engagement

o Liaise with organisations which have undertaken, or are currently undertaking, conservation actions for bridled nailtail wallabies, including: - Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Recovery Group (including Fitzroy Basin Association, Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Trust, Conservation and Management branch of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland).

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- Australian Wildlife Conservancy (establishment and management of Scotia Sanctuary). - Australian Animals Care & Education Inc (entered into a captive breeding agreement with Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to be undertaken at a private wildlife care facility (Project Kial). - Wild Mob (management of Avocet Nature Refuge including establishment of predator proof breeding enclosure). - Friends of Taunton (joint venture recovery project between Wildlife Queensland and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service). - Western Plains Zoo (captive population of bridled nailtail wallabies and breeding program). o Liaise with organisations which have undertaken, or are currently undertaking, research for bridled nailtail wallabies, including University of Queensland (Gatton) and Griffith University. o Liaise with co-regulators to ensure appropriate management activities/programs are undertaken within state government jurisdictions to manage threats to bridled nailtail wallaby subpopulations, including: - Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (bridled nailtail wallabies have been ranked as a critical priority under the Back on Track species prioritisation framework). - Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing’s Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. o Engage with local communities to promote conservation of habitat for bridled nailtail wallabies across land tenures. o Erect appropriate conservation signage in areas of known subpopulations to educate the public about bridled nailtail wallabies.

Survey and Monitoring priorities • Monitor the abundance of foxes, cats, wild dogs and dingoes at sites of all unfenced subpopulations to determine the ongoing threat of predation on bridled nailtail wallabies. • Regularly monitor all subpopulations to more precisely assess population size, distribution, and population trends. • Monitor the progress of conservation actions, including the effectiveness of management actions, and adapt them if necessary to contribute to the species’ recovery. • Survey areas identified as ‘likely habitat’ for bridled nailtail wallabies to identify potential translocation sites. • Monitor the incidence of death from toxoplasmosis and other parasites in all subpopulations to determine the level of threat to bridled nailtail wallabies.

Information and research priorities • Investigate the effectiveness and cost-benefits of intensive predator control at a local and regional scale. • Assess effectiveness and cost-benefits of methods for controlling invasive weeds.

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• Assess options for increasing the area of suitable habitat at sites with bridled nailtail wallaby subpopulations. • Develop a long-term (e.g. 10−20 years) translocation plan for the species that includes consideration of the genetic diversity contained within the existing subpopulations. • Investigate options for linking and enhancing current subpopulations. • Assess the effectiveness and cost-benefits of supplementary feeding of unfenced subpopulations during low rainfall periods.

References cited in the advice

Curtis, L. K. (2012). Bridled nailtail wallaby Onychogalea fraenata . In ‘Queensland’s threatened animals’. (Eds L. K. Curtis, A. J. Dennis, K. R. McDonald, P. M. Kyne & S. J. S. Debus), pp. 356-357. CSIRO Publishing: Collingwood.

Dawson, T. J., Tierney, P. J. & Ellis, B. A. (1992). The diet of the bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata ). Overlap in dietary niche breadth and plant preferences with the black-striped wallaby ( Macropus dorsalis ) and domestic cattle. Wildlife Research 19 , 79-87.

Donaldson, K., Fisher, D. & Buckley, Y. (2012). Effects of buffel grass ( Pennisetum ciliare L.) invasion on the ecology of the endangered bridled nailtail wallaby ( Onychogalea unguifera ). Spoken presentation, 58 th meeting of the Australian Mammal Society, Port Augusta.

Ellis, B. A., Tierney, P. J. & Dawson, T. J. (1992). The diet of the bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata ). Site and seasonal influences and dietary overlap with black- striped wallaby ( Macropus dorsalis ) and domestic cattle. Wildlife Research 19 , 65-78.

Evans, M. (1992). The bridled nailtail wallaby: ecology and management. Report to ANPWS, September 1992.

Evans, M. (1996). Home ranges and movement schedules of sympatric bridled nailtail and black-striped wallabies. Wildlife Research 23, 547-556.

Fisher, D. (1999). Behavioural ecology and demography of the bridled nailtail wallaby, Onychogalea fraenata. Ph.D. thesis. University of Queensland, Brisbane.

Fisher, D. O. (2000). Effects of vegetation structure, food and shelter on the home range and habitat use of an endangered wallaby. Journal of Applied Ecology 37 , 660-671.

Fisher, D. O. & Goldizen, A. (2001). The maternal care strategy and infant behaviour of the bridled nailtail wallaby. Journal of Zoology 255 , 321-330.

Fisher, D. O. & Lara, M. C. (1999). Effects of body size and home range on access to mates and paternity in male bridled nailtail wallabies. Animal Behaviour 58 , 121-130.

Fisher, D. O., Hoyle, S. D. & Blomberg, S. P. (2000). Population dynamics and survival of an endangered wallaby: a comparison of four methods. Ecological Applications 10 , 901- 910.

Fisher, D. O., Blomberg, S. P. & Hoyle, S. D. (2001). Mechanisms of drought-induced population decline in an endangered wallaby. Biological Conservation 102 , 107-115.

Gordon, G. (1983). Bridled nailtail wallaby Onychogalea fraenata . pp. 205 in R. Strahan (ed.) The Australian Museum Complete Book of Australian Mammals . Angus and Robertson: Sydney.

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Hayward, M. W., L’Hotellier, F., O’Connor, T., Ward-Fear, G., Cathcart, J., Cathcart, T., Stephens, Joe, Stephens, Joanne, Herman, K. & Legge, S. (2012). Reintroduction of bridled nailtail wallabies beyond fences at Scotia Sanctuary − Phase 1. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 134 , A27-A37.

Horsup, A. & Evans, M. (1993). Predation by feral cats, Felis catus , on an endangered marsupial, the bridled nailtail wallaby, Onychogalea fraenata . Australian Mammalogy 16 , 85-86.

Johnson, P.J. (1997). Reproduction in the bridled nailtail wallaby, Onychogalea fraenata (Marsupialia: ), in captivity. Wildlife research 24 , 411-415.

Lundie-Jenkins, G. & Lowry, J. (2005). Recovery Plan for the bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata ) 2005-2009. Queensland Environmental Protection Agency/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane.

Melzer, A, Melzer, R, Dinwoodie, A & Beard, D. (2014). Recovery of herbaceous species richness following herbicide treatment of 'Cenchrus ciliaris' (buffel grass) - a pilot study in 'Onychogalea fraenata' (bridled nailtail wallaby) habitat restoration. The Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland 119 , 7-20.

Tierney, P. J. (1985). Habitat and ecology of the bridled nailtail wallaby with implications for management. M.App.Sc. thesis. Queensland Institute of Technology, Brisbane.

Woinarski, J., Burbidge, A. & Harrison, P. (2014). The Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012. CSIRO Publishing.

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