Banded Hare-wallaby

Lagostrophus fasciatus fasciatus

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Vulnerable

Listed since: 31/08/2023

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Vulnerable

Listed since: 16/03/2014

Population trend: Stable

Other names: Merrnine, Marnine, Munning

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

The Banded Hare-wallaby is a small to medium sized wallaby with visible bands across its lower back and rump. Wild populations are only found on Bernier and Dorre Islands in Shark Bay region, Western Australia. Banded Hare-wallaby abundance and distribution is influenced by vegetation cover as they prefer dense thickets of vegetation for shelter. They are nocturnal and feeding takes place at night in open areas where they feed on a range of grasses, shrubs and flowering plants.

Threats

Climate change is the most significant current threat to the Banded Hare-wallaby population, particularly changes in rainfall patterns as their populations fluctuate in size in response to rainfall and drought. The susceptibility of the banded hare-wallaby to impacts of predation by feral cats and red foxes is rated as �extreme�.