The Proserpine rock-wallaby (Petrogale persephone) is a species of rock-wallaby restricted to a small area in Conway National Park, Dryander National Park, Gloucester Island National Park, and around the town of Airlie Beach, all in Whitsunday Shire in Queensland, Australia. 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.[3] 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.[4] It was most recently assessed by the IUCN in 2015 with it listing as endangered under criteria B1ab(iii,v).[2]
Proserpine rock-wallaby[1] | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
Order: | Diprotodontia |
Family: | Macropodidae |
Genus: | Petrogale |
Species: | P. persephone
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Binomial name | |
Petrogale persephone Maynes, 1982
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Proserpine rock-wallaby range |
The Proserpine rock-wallaby is mostly grey in color and is a timid grass-eater that rarely ventures far from rock shelter.[5] 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.[6] 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.[3][7] It was unknown to science until 1977, when a single individual was captured after farmers at Proserpine had spoken of a strange form of rock wallaby in the area.[8] It was scientifically described in 1982 by Maynes GM who placed it as one of 11 species of rock-wallaby currently recognized in Queensland.[9][3]
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.[6] The Proserpine rock-wallaby is found only in a relatively intensively-settled area, but it is in competition with other more successful rock-wallaby species, which competition is probably responsible for its threatened status.[10]
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.[6]
The Proserpine rock-wallaby is threatened by multiple factors. Its habitat has declined from increased urbanization and tourism, leading it vulnerable to road kill and predation from domestic dogs and cats.[7][11] Inbreeding and hybridization between the Prosperine and Unadorned rock-wallaby species also threatens the population.[2] It's feeding habits make it vulnerable to consuming introduced toxic plants like the pink periwinkle.[7] The introduction of diseases such as Toxoplasmosis and Hydatids have also posed major threats to the species. [6]
Current conservation strategies for this species involve the acquisition of protected habitat, adding wildlife reflectors to roadkill zones to prevent further fatalities, and controlling toxic plants near their habitat.[12] 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.[6]