User:Kaelan Leann/Proserpine rock wallaby

Add more information about the threats the Proserpine Rock-wallaby is facing as well as if more efforts in their conservation have been made. More information about their appearance, habitat, preferences, and other important back-ground information could be added.

The Proserpine Rock-wallaby is a notably shy and timid animal that will quickly retreat into its rocky home when feeling threatened or disturbed.

The etymology of the name is from Greek mythology in the form of the tale of Persephone, or Proserpine to the Romans, as well as from the location they were discovered. With its mythological background, the name symbolizes the fortuitous finding of the species at the beginning of spring and the restoration of knowledge of the species to mankind.

It is distinguished from the many other rock wallabies found in northeastern Queensland by its larger size and longer tail tipped with white, distinct lack of pelage markings, incomplete ectoympanic ring not fused to posterior end of zygomatic arch, large pre-molars, and preference for deciduous vine forest habitats.

The introduction of diseases such as toxoplasmosis and hydatids have also posed major threats to the species. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic protozoal infection that is usually asymptomatic and results in reproductive failure in many species. Hydatid disease is another zoonotic disease that is caused by Echinococcus granulosus, or dog tapeworm, in its intermediate stage. At this stage the larvae cause cyst-like formations in internal tissues such as the liver, lung, and brain in its host. Most common affected animals are dogs, dingoes, sheep, kangaroos, wallabies, pigs, and other wildlife, with signs of infection usually not being present.

In 1992 the species was listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Protection Act, and in 1999, the Proserpine rock-wallaby was once again listed as ‘Endangered’ under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC), which became effective on June 16th, 2000. It is a threatened species, being classified by the IUCN as endangered.

Originally discovered in 1976, it wasn’t scientifically described until 1982 by Maynes GM who placed it as one of 11 species of rock-wallaby currently recognized in Queensland.

They are the second largest member of the genus Petrogale, with males ranging from 4.3-10.2 kg and females at 3.5 - 8 kg.

Introductions of captive bred wallabies have been released to the Hayman Islands to establish populations that are less likely to be threatened by disease, parasites, road strikes, introduced predators, and toxic plants. In 1998, 26 individuals were released on the island and have since doubled in size. Between 2006 and 2008, 5 more individuals were introduced to strengthen genetic viability among the colony. Conservationists hope this new island population will provide a source for future introductions or translocation of existing colonies that have suffered catastrophic losses.

The Proserpine rock-wallaby requires rocky outcrops, rock piles, and cliffs within a sloping microphyll/notophyll semi-deciduous dry vine forest in order to survive as these locations provide the best access to food and the ability to evade predators. Large rock piles act as a refuge site not only for protection from predators but also aid in reducing the effects of high temperatures and humidity during summer months. During dry periods, colonies will move to the edges of the vine forest to feed on grasses.

Diet

The Proserpine rock-wallaby is herbivorous mainly feed on dropped leaves, supplemented by grasses, vines, ferns, and fungus. In dry spells, they will forage in nearby grassy areas with riparian vegetation and beach scrub providing critical foraging resources during drought. They will also graze on lawns and a number of common garden plants such as balsam and hibiscus flowers.

Lifecycle

Proserpine rock-wallabies breed approximately once yearly producing a single offspring and have an oestrus cycle range of 33-35 days with a gestation period of 33-34 days. Within hours of giving birth postpartum matings will generally occur with the female then exhibiting embryonic diapause.

The young wallabies are born underdeveloped and will spend an average of 203 to 215 days in their mothers' pouch, with the mother lactating until the offspring are fully weaned around 105 to 139 days after they leave the pouch. During the mothers weaning of the young, prolactin decreases causing the activation of embryonic development in the next young. Male Proserpine rock-wallabies become sexually mature at 24.8 to 25.2 months, while females become sexually mature at 20.5 to 25.1 months.

Hybridization is common with the genus Petrogale, with the first being discovered in 1976 and are still occasionally recorded today. While fertility in these hybridized wallabies is diminished, both male and female hybrids are still fertile.

Behavior

Conservation

Conservationists first objective is to monitor known Proserpine rock-wallaby populations to determine the absence, presence, and colony conditions of the known 24 existing PRW sites. To do this heavy identification, mapping, and monitoring will occur in order to prioritize weed control, fencing, removal of cattle, and protection from intense fires in order to secure these critical sites. Time will also be spent promoting the conservation and management of the Proserpine rock-wallaby's habitat off park estate through voluntary conservation agreements, council open space habitat areas, and management of covenant areas. For much of this planning to work habitat fragmentation either in or between the species habitat needs to be avoided or minimized as there is currently no protection over areas that join two Proserpine habitats leading them to be cut off from one another.

Conservationists second objective is to maintain and monitor the population of Proserpine rock-wallabies on Hayman Island. Introductions of captive bred wallabies were released to the island to establish populations that are less likely to be threatened by disease, parasites, road strikes, introduced predators, and toxic plants. In 1998, 26 individuals were released on the island and have since doubled in size. Between 2006 and 2008, 5 more individuals were introduced to strengthen genetic viability among the colony. Conservationists hope this new island population will provide a source for future introductions or translocation of existing colonies that have suffered catastrophic losses.

Conservationists are taking steps to minimize disease, incidental kills, and other threatening processes on the wallaby's population. To reduce road mortality, they proposal 1.5-meter diameter drainage pipes to be built beneath newly constructed roads, allowing the populations to safely move between habitats. This is coupled with the monitoring of turfed areas established in old quarries to reduce the number of individuals crossing roads. Measures being taken to reduce the spread of disease as well as predation from domestic pets is the promotion of fencing in or adjacent to the species habitat as well as the reduction in feral cat reduction. Additionally, public education campaigns regarding incidence and effects of hydatids in the species population are also expected to be implemented to help bring awareness to the various threats to the species.

The fourth objective in the recovery plan is to improve understanding of the species ecology and threats to its survival.

The fifth objective in the recovery plan is to promote and facilitate community involvement in the species recovery. Involving local community and traditional owners