Australia’s tiniest wallabies spotted in the north-west in a tale of survival against the odds

Australia's tiniest wallabies, the Monjon and the Nabarlek, have been found thriving in the remote Kimberley region of northwest Australia, marking a rare success in conservation efforts. These diminutive marsupials, smaller than a domestic cat and weighing less than a bag of sugar, have remained elusive due to their secretive nature and similarity to other species. Recent discoveries by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) reveal that the Nabarlek, the second-smallest wallaby in the country, has been spotted at two new locations in the Kimberley, on land for the first time in 50 years. This revelation offers hope for the species' survival amid threats such as feral cats and wildfires. The AWC, in collaboration with the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, conducted extensive surveys using camera traps and genetic analysis to confirm the presence of the Nabarlek. Field ecologist Larissa Potter described the process as challenging, noting that spotting the nocturnal wallaby requires being out at night. Camera traps were set up in rocky terrains, capturing images that helped identify potential sightings. However, confirming the species necessitated collecting fresh droppings for DNA testing, distinguishing the Nabarlek from its close relatives, the Monjon and the short-eared rock-wallaby. This meticulous approach underscored the difficulty of identifying these tiny creatures in the wild. The newly discovered locations include the Yampi Sound Training Area, a vast wilderness area designated as one of 20 priority sites in the federal government’s Threatened Species Action Plan. Accessible only via sea, air, or a grueling 130-kilometer road trip from Derby, the site highlights the remoteness of the habitat. Another population was found approximately 170 kilometers away, within the traditional lands of the Dambimangari people. Until now, the Nabarlek had been documented on only a few mainland sites and five offshore islands. The recent findings suggest that small populations have managed to survive despite environmental pressures, including devastating wildfires on Augustus and Jungulu islands. Potter emphasized the significance of these discoveries, stating that confirming the Nabarlek’s presence in new areas represents a crucial step in understanding the species’ distribution. She noted that the persistence of the wallaby on the Kimberley mainland, particularly in previously unknown locations, is reassuring. The findings come ahead of Threatened Species Day on September 7, commemorating the death of the last thylacine in Hobart Zoo in 1936. The day serves as a reminder of the fragility of native wildlife and the importance of continued conservation efforts. The research team included pilots Ritchie Stephenson, Indigenous ranger Rihanna Bangmorra, and scientists Amelia Hurrell and Naomi Blondel. Blondel described the search for the Nabarlek as akin to finding a needle in a haystack, highlighting the immense effort required to locate and verify the species. The team plans to compare the genetic makeup of the mainland Nabarlek with those from island populations to better understand how feral cats and wildfires impact different habitats. Potter expressed hope that increased funding could provide deeper insights into the species’ ecology and help protect it from further decline. Despite the encouraging results, the Nabarlek’s total population remains uncertain. Once believed to inhabit much of northern Australia, the species has become increasingly rare in the Northern Territory. Conservationists remain cautious, acknowledging that while the recent discoveries offer optimism, ongoing threats continue to challenge the survival of these fragile creatures. The work of the AWC and its partners underscores the critical role of scientific research and community collaboration in safeguarding biodiversity in some of Australia’s most remote and vulnerable ecosystems.