Dama wallabies were first released near Lake Ōkāreka in 1912. Since then they have been steadily expanding their distribution. It is estimated that if no control work is undertaken, a third of the North Island could be impacted by the spread of wallabies within 50 years.

Current activity in year one of the programme is focused on surveillance and control of ‘satellite’ populations in areas where wallabies are believed to be dispersing from. Contractors, with specially trained wallaby indicator dogs and trail cameras, are being used to locate and determine the extent of dama wallaby populations.

Where wallaby populations exist outside of the containment area, councils will work with the landowners to plan and deliver wallaby control (currently at no cost to landowners). Landowners/managers located within the containment areas are advised to contact their council Biosecurity staff for advice on wallaby control options to suit their situation.

Wallaby-proof fencing is being installed at various points around the containment area to reduce the potential ‘leakage’ of wallabies in areas where no natural barriers, such as rivers, exist.

The fencing being used is the same height as a standard farm fence but is made of Waratah netting longlife Blue and an additional 30cm section is pegged flat on the ground to stop wallaby pushing under the fence. The Waratah fencing system is all steel and it can be erected very quickly.

The Wallaby Team will be comparing the material costs and ease of construction of the Waratah system against a similar fence design utilising locally sourced netting and wooden posts.

Image source:  boprc.govt.nz

To find out more about this project head to: https://www.boprc.govt.nz/our-projects/dama-wallaby-control?fbclid=IwAR0IIuYPSjOPP2pMacyBUXCZglL48631dccafHnrll0nxJt2tLZAaB7hlrU