Central Australian Rock-wallaby
Petrogale lateralis centralis
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 30/01/2014
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 17/03/2014
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: Warru
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 Warru is a subspecies of the Black-flanked Rock-wallaby and the current populations are restricted to the MacDonnell Ranges through the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia. During the day they shelter under deep shade in rocky areas such as caves and cliffs and emerge at dusk to feed on grasses and shrubs.
Threats
Predation by foxes and feral cats have a significant impact on the species, particularly during peak breeding seasons. Further habitat degradation from intensive grazing and invasion of wood weeds is also likely to have an impact on this species.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
40
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.