The Yellow-footed Rock-Wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus (Macropodidae)

Wilson, GR; Gerritsen, Jeroen; Milthorpe, PL

doi:10.1071/wr9760073

Cited by 8 publications

(12 citation statements)

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“…Wilson et al (1976) and others have shown that the vegetation of these favoured rocky areas is more abundant and diverse than that on surrounding slopes, plains and ridgetops, and that this is indicative of greater retention of moisture. Terraces and ledges on the rock outcrops trap runoff water from the rock surfaces, and the shelter afforded by cliff-faces, boulders, rock piles and narrow gullies reduces evaporative water loss.…”

Section: Habitatmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Terraces and ledges on the rock outcrops trap runoff water from the rock surfaces, and the shelter afforded by cliff-faces, boulders, rock piles and narrow gullies reduces evaporative water loss. Consequently, the microclimate is milder on the outcrops than in surrounding areas, and the food supply is more dependable (Wilson et al 1976). …”

Section: Habitatmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As a result of this lack of knowledge it was classified in the IUCN Red Data Book for Mammals of 1972 (and unaltered in the revised edition 1978) as a vulnerable species. Wilson et al (1976) have since examined the extent of P.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…potentially suitable habitats), consisting of sufficiently large rock outcrops or steep cliffs with associated rock piles and boulder-strewn slopes, were identified by careful examination of aerial photographs and of topographical and geological maps. A systematic field survey was made in these areas, during which the presence or absence of rock-wallabies and their characteristic faecal pellets (Fox 1966;Wilson et al 1976;Copley 1981) were recorded for each site visited and habitat characteristics were carefully noted. Aerial surveys by helicopter were conducted in the Olary Hills and southern Flinders Ranges to the west of, and between, Quorn and Hawker in June 1981.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Studies on the Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus Gray (Marsupialia : Macropodidae) I. Distribution in South Australia

Copley¹

1983

Wildl. Res.

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Petrogale xanthopus still occurs over most of its former range in South Australia. It is widespread in the Flinders Ranges, where almost 200 colonies are now known, and is locally common in areas of both the Rinders Ranges and Olary Hills. Six colonies are currently known in the western Gawler Ranges with an outlying population on Camewerloo Station only 50 km west of Port Augusta. Seven colonies have been found in the Olary Hills, to the north and north-west of Olary. The species has suffered a major decline in abundance since European settlement, having become extinct locally throughout this range. Hunting for skins, competition with introduced herbivores for food and shelter, and predation by foxes seem to be the main reasons for this decline. However, it is still not possible to say whether the species currently has a decreasing population and is at risk, is in equilibrium, or is increasing. Information published in this paper and current studies in South Australia and New South Wales should soon determine this.Although these statements were based o n more information than was available i n 1972, very little was yet known about the distribution and abundance of P. xanthopus, particularly i n South Australia. This paper documents an investigation into the distribution a n d status of this species in South Australia. MethodsHistorical location records for sightings of P. xanthopus were obtained from a literature search and museum specimen data. Records of more recent sightings were provided by the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. A questionnaire was then sent to 82 pastoral properties within the suspected range of P. xanthopus in South Australia: 37 replies were received and these were followed up by interviews when the respective properties were visited during the field survey. In addition, other local residents and regular visitors to each area, including bushwalkers, naturalists and geologists, were asked for information relating to this species.The topographical and geological features of each reported location were recorded, and other similar areas (i.e. potentially suitable habitats), consisting of sufficiently large rock outcrops or steep cliffs with associated rock piles and boulder-strewn slopes, were identified by careful examination of aerial photographs and of topographical and geological maps. A systematic field survey was made in these areas, during which the presence or absence of rock-wallabies and their characteristic faecal pellets (Fox 1966;Wilson et al. 1976;Copley 1981) were recorded for each site visited and habitat characteristics were carefully noted. Aerial surveys by helicopter were conducted in the Olary Hills and southern Flinders Ranges to the west of, and between, Quorn and Hawker in June 1981.A total of 147 days were spent in the field on survey work: 112 in the Flinders and WillouranWhen the first European explorers a n d settlers reached the Flinders Ranges, rockwallabies were apparently very numerous and widespread. The explorer Eyre, for example, noted man...

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Section: Habitatmentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Habitatmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Studies on the Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus Gray (Marsupialia : Macropodidae) I. Distribution in South Australia

Copley¹

1983

Wildl. Res.

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“…Subsequently, Fox (1966) reported its 'rediscovery' at a remote location on the south-eastern corner of the Coturaundee Range, 150 km north-east of Broken Hill, N.S.W. After a search of areas surrounding that location, and areas around Broken Hill and Tibooburra, N.S.W., Wilson et al (1976) concluded that this species was confined to a 70-by-10-km area between White Cliffs and Mootwingee, N.S.W. (see Fig.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Studies on the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus Gray (Marsupialia : Macropodidae). 3. Distribution and management in western New South Wales

Lim¹,

Giles²

1987

Wildl. Res.

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Contrary to previous literature, P. xanthopus had not been recorded in western New South Wales before its existence was reported by Fox (1966). There is only one geographically isolated population of less than 250 animals in two separate colonies in the Gap and Coturaundee Ranges, where they are confined to two cliff systems and two outcrops. Their distribution is therefore more limited than first reported by Wilson et al. (1976). They were more widespread in the past, being found also in the Barrier and Bynguano Ranges. These conclusions have been reached from data collected from: (I) a large-scale low-level aerial survey and subsequent ground inspections to record this species' presence in specific locations in north-western New South Wales; (2) a systematic detailed survey of the Gap and Coturaundee Ranges to establish its pattern of habitat use from the accumulated density of faecal pellets; (3) lowlevel aerial surveys over these and other areas, by helicopter, to confirm the results of earlier surveys and check on reported sightings. The results of this study are being used for the management of this rare rock-wallaby in New South Wales. It is recommend that this species be re-established in the Bynguano Range. Fig. 2. Locations of zones surveyed for P. xanthopus: zone 1, southern Grey Range; zone 2, Bulloo Overflow Catchment; zone 3, Barrier Ranges; zone 4, Eastern Hills Complex. Zone 2The following 1 : 250000 topographical maps were used for the ground survey: Milparinka, SH 54-7; Urisino, SH 54-8; Cobham Lake, SH 54-11; White Cliffs, SH 54-12; Broken Hill, SH 54-15; Wilcannia, SH 54-16.The habitat factors recorded at each site were: rock type and texture, boulder size, and the presence of water within 2 km of the nearest rockpile.The survey was conducted in four conveniently divided zones (see Fig. 2), as follows.

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