Rufous Hare-wallaby (Dorre Island)
Lagorchestes hirsutus dorreae
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 26/03/2008
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 31/12/2012
Population trend: Stable
Other names: None
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 Rufous Hare-wallaby (Dorre Island) or Mala, is a small wallaby which is found on Dorre Island in Shark Bay, Western Australia. They are found in dune habitat and grasslands on sandplains. They shelter during the day in depressions or small burrows under spinifex hummocks or small shrubs. The Rufous Hare-wallaby feed on herbaceous plants (no woody stems) and grasses, preferably with high water content.
Threats
The main identified threats to the Rufous Hare-wallaby (Dorre Island) include habitat degradation, grazing, frequent and extensive wildfire, and inbreeding depression due to the small population size and restricted distribution. The Rufous Hare-wallaby (Dorre Island) is particularly susceptible to climatic events such as drought, fire and changes in rainfall.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
45
To help compare the relative vulnerability of different species, we have developed a scoring system based on biological and ecological characteristics that influence a species' ability to survive and recover from environmental change and natural disasters.
The framework is adapted from assessment methods used by conservation experts following the Black Summer bushfires to help identify species most in need of conservation action, research, and recovery funding.
Each species is assessed using a range of factors, including its conservation status, lifespan, reproductive rate, habitat and dietary requirements, ability to disperse or recover after fire, and the number and severity of threats it faces.
In general, the higher a species' score, the greater its overall vulnerability and risk of decline or extinction.
Like all conservation assessments, this scoring system is limited by the information currently available. Many threatened species remain poorly studied and receive limited research funding, meaning some assessments rely on the best available scientific knowledge or information from closely related species. As new research becomes available, scores may be updated to reflect our improved understanding.