BLACK-FLANKED ROCK WALLABIES

In reply to the Hon. A.L. EVANS (17 October 2007).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I have been advised that:

Under IUCN red list ratings, the Black-flanked Rock-wallaby, at a species level,is rated as Lower Risk Least Concern. However, there are three subspecies and two geographic races of Black-flanked Rock-wallaby.

The MacDonnell Ranges Race occurs in the APY Lands of South Australia, and in nearby areas of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The MacDonnell Ranges Race is known as Warru by locals of the APY Lands.

At a subspecies level, Warru is rated as Vulnerable under the IUCN red listing ratings. This is also the national rating under the Commonwealth's Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999.

In South Australia, Warru is listed as Endangered under the National Parks & Wildlife Act 1972, due to its continued serious rate of decline in both range and abundance. In the matter of about 80 years it has gone from being a widespread and abundant animal in the north-west of the State to its current situation of only three known colonies totaling about 50 individuals. Two other colonies have become extinct in the past decade or so.

While IUCN listings provide a useful global overview of the status of the world's animal and plant species, these listings are infrequently updated and therefore seldom reflect current knowledge and action. Local listing under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 is the determinate of action.