Parma Wallaby
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Meet the Parma Wallaby
The Parma Wallaby (Notamacropus parma) is one of Australia’s most elusive macropods, once thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in the 1960s. Small and graceful, it measures just 45–55cm in body length, with a tail of similar length, and weighs around 5kg. Its thick, brownish-grey coat blends seamlessly into the forest understorey, while a paler grey underside and rich brown shoulders add to its striking appearance. Many individuals sport a distinctive white “moustache” across the upper lip.
Shy by nature, the Parma Wallaby is most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on grasses, herbs, and leaves. It prefers the safety of dense, wet sclerophyll forests and coastal woodlands in northern New South Wales. Sadly, its naturally small population, combined with a highly restricted range, makes it extremely vulnerable to threats.
Did you know?
- Parma Wallabies were thought to be extinct for nearly a century until rediscovery on Kawau Island, New Zealand, and later in New South Wales, Australia.
- Their name comes from the Latin parvus, meaning “small”, a fitting description for the tiniest member of the wallaby family.
- They play an important ecological role by grazing and helping maintain understorey plant diversity.
Why They’re at Risk
- Introduced Predators: Foxes and feral cats’ prey on adults, juveniles, and pouch young. Predation pressure is one of the primary drivers of decline, especially in small or fragmented populations.
- Competition from Introduced Herbivores: Rabbits, deer, and livestock compete for food and degrade habitat quality, reducing the resources available to wallabies.
- Habitat Loss & Fragmentation: Clearing for agriculture, grazing, and urban expansion has destroyed much of the Parma Wallaby’s Forest habitat, leaving small, isolated populations. This reduces genetic diversity and makes them more vulnerable to local extinction.
- Small Population Size: Even without immediate threats, naturally small numbers mean that any losses, whether from predation, fire, or disease, can have a large impact.
Aussie Ark’s Conservation Work
Aussie Ark is working to safeguard the future of the Parma Wallaby, a species once thought to be extinct and now given a second chance.
- Predator-Free Sanctuaries: We provide secure, fenced environments where Parma Wallabies can live and breed without the constant threat of foxes and cats.
- Insurance Breeding Population: Our managed breeding program ensures a healthy, genetically diverse population that can be reintroduced into safe wild areas.
- Habitat Restoration: We actively restore native vegetation within sanctuaries to create ideal foraging and shelter conditions for Parma Wallabies.
- Monitoring & Research: We track population numbers, health, and breeding success to ensure the species is thriving and to guide future releases.
Through these combined efforts, Aussie Ark is restoring hope for the Parma Wallaby and ensuring it remains part of Australia’s wild landscapes for generations to come.
How You Can Help
You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.
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Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Find out more about how we’re helping the Parma Wallaby
Aussie Ark is stepping up to protect Australia’s wildlife at a time when it has never been more urgent. From building predator-proof sanctuaries and restoring vital habitats, to running world-leading breeding programs and reintroducing animals back into the wild, we are giving threatened species a fighting chance. Every action we take is about safeguarding the future of these animals and ensuring Australia’s unique wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
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