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Description
The bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata) is one of two surviving nailtail wallaby species. The other is the northern nailtail wallaby (O. unguifera) which occurs in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. The crescent nailtail wallaby (O. lunata) was declared extinct in 1956.
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Nailtails are named for the 3-6mm nail-like projection at the end of their tails, while “bridled” references the white "bridle" line that starts on the centre of the neck and goes around the shoulders and ends at the forearms on each side. A black stripe runs dorsally across the whole body. Males weigh between 5-8kg and females from 4-5kg. Females are capable of producing three offspring per year.
Before European settlement, the bridled nailtail was fairly widespread, with a range extending west of the Great Divide from the semi-arid areas of central Queensland, through New South Wales and into northern Victoria. Early European explorers frequently reported sightings and regarded it as common. But by 1929, the species had almost disappeared. With no confirmed sightings for more than 35 years, it was believed to be extinct. Then, remarkably, in 1973, a small population was rediscovered on a grazing property near Dingo in Central Queensland. That property, and an adjoining one, were acquired and became Taunton National Park (Scientific) in 1992. This is the only known wild population but translocated populations are now found in Idalia NP and Avocet Nature Refuge in Queensland. In NSW, they have been introduced to Pilliga State Conservation Area and Mallee Cliffs NP by Australian Wildlife Conservancy working in partnership with NSW National Parks. An insurance population has been established at AWC’s private Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary. The Pilliga population, originally 42 individuals, has more than doubled since its introduction to a 680ha fenced area that it shares with bilbies in 2019. Eight of the females checked in the survey has young in the pouch which bodes well for the species’ continued expansion. It’s hoped that a new bigger fenced area can be developed in the Pilliga.
We invite you to help us to provide vital funds to this conservation program to secure the future of the rare and endangered bridled nailtail wallaby. Donations can be made throughout January and February.