Where Flashjacks live
While it is thought that the Flashjack wallaby used to be found in a wider variety of habitats, it is now restricted to open grassy woodland and Brigalow scrub. Both types of habitat are used by the wallabies and reserve management must account for this. Feeding on small plants and shrubs, the wallabies are well adapted to their dry environments but are more selective with their food than some other kangaroo species also found in the same habitat.
There are three reserves where the animal lives 'wild'; that is, in an unfenced environment. All three reserves (Taunton, Idalia and Avocet) provide the food and shelter that the Bridled Nailtail wallaby requires. Idalia, located in the transition zone between semi-arid and arid environments of the Australian Outback is probably the westernmost part of their former range; Avocet and Taunton are in the middle. Unfenced reserves allow the wallabies to disperse into the surrouding environment, although intensive managment is required. The Trust is coordinating the neccessary management on Avocet, and early research results suggest it is working well. The landholder, Queensland Parks and Wildlife and groups like Hunting and Conservation Qld are all critical components of this success. The Flashjack can also be found at Scotia Sanctuary in New South Wales, within an entirely fenced reserve.The animal was never found in the coastal or sub-coastal areas.
We believe that all parties must cooperate in the conservation of the Flashjack, for the numbers are declining at a whole-of-population level, as is genetic health.
 |
 |
| Sunset over Avocet (Bryan Siebel) | Flashjack habitat (Bryan Siebel) |
Distribution map of former and current range
