Picking the best homes for reintroduced brush tailed rock wallabies in the Grampians

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-05-07 00:01

Australia; SA

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Australian researchers combined historical location data based on brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) poo found in the Grampians in Victoria with data on local habitats to build computer simulations that could figure out where the best places to reintroduce the critters are. The computer 'model' found more complex habitats are the most suitable, with vegetation, elevation, and local stone substrate type of only minimal importance for suitability. Surprisingly, water flow also didn't appear to matter that much, although the team says this could be a result of how they sampled this. The researchers used their findings to identify eight areas within the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, and Black Range State Park that are suitable for reintroductions. Interestingly, their analysis found that Moora Moora Creek, the site of the last reintroduction in the area, is only 'moderately suitable', which may explain why it has seen only limited success. The study shows the importance of thoroughly assessing site suitabillity before costly and time-consuming reintroductions go ahead, the authors conclude.