Wallaby

Where did they originate from?

• From Australia, where they were formerly widespread in southern mainland Australia. 
• Dama and parma wallabies (and at least two other species of wallaby) were introduced to Kawau Island by Sir George Grey around 1870, along with other species, such as monkeys, zebra and gnu. 
• In 1912, dama wallaby from Kawau Island were released near Lake Ōkāreka. Since that time, they have established over more than 200,000ha. 
• Following eDNA research conducted by Biosecurity New Zealand in 2023, it was determined that parma wallaby were also present in the Bay of Plenty. It is believed they were released into the region in the 1990s. 

Why are they a pest?

• Wallaby feed on native tree seedlings, ferns and grasses to such an extent that over time they limit the regeneration of some species, altering the structure and composition of our native forests. Some of the species selectively browsed by wallaby are important as a food source for native birds and wildlife. 
• In exotic plantations wallaby can damage pine and eucalyptus seedlings. 
• On farmland they compete with stock for pasture. 

Where are they found?

• As wallaby are cautious and nocturnal (they seek shelter during the day in dense forest or scrub), they can be difficult to detect. 
• Wallaby can be found in both native and exotic forest, preferring habitat with access to pasture and/or sunny clearings. They often congregate in small family groups. 
• Wallaby spread has been slowed by physical barriers, such as lakes and rivers. In some cases, dispersal beyond these barriers has been aided by people. 
• Their current distribution lies from Rotorua east to Kawerau, and south beyond Maunga Kākaramea (Rainbow Mountain) to the Paeroa Range (between Reporoa and Waikite Valley).  

Find out more

Sign up to the dama wallaby e-panui to receive quarterly updates on progress being made to control wallabies in the central North Island.

What do they look like?

Dama wallaby 

• Dama wallaby stand only half a metre tall. Mature males weigh around 7kg while most females are less than 5kg. 
• They are grey in colour with a paler grey underbelly. A thin white-silver stripe runs from under the eye to the nose. 
• Mature animals may have a patch of reddish-brown fur across their shoulders. 
• They are a marsupial that carries their young around in a pouch. 
• Females give birth from January to February. Young stay in the pouch for 250 days. 

Parma wallaby 

• Parma wallaby are similar in size to dama. Males can range from 6kg and females up to 4kg. 
• Their fur is chocolate brown with pale cream/white belly and throat; a cream cheek stripe ends halfway between the nose and eye. 
• Their tail is thin, long, dark and sometimes has a white tip. 

What are the rules?

How do you control them?

Night shooting 

On private farmland night-shooting is an effective control option. Generally, a scoped .22 LR is adequate, although a .22 Magnum is more effective. Centrefire rifles in .222 and .223 calibres are also effective.  

Accurate bullet placement is essential to achieve humane kills. Night-vision and/or thermal imaging scopes can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of night shooting operations. 

Effective night shooting is a skill and should only be attempted by licensed, experienced shooters. 

Poisoning 

Limited poisoning options are available for wallaby. Only two pesticides (1080 and Feratox encapsulated cyanide) are registered for use on wallaby. Both of these pesticides require the handler to hold a Controlled Substances Licence and their use is regulated by WorkSafe and the Medical Officer of Health.  

Although highly vulnerable to aerial or hand broadcast bait, wallaby are reluctant to feed from some types of bait stations. Where wallaby co-exist with possums, they are likely to be excluded from accessing bait stations by the smaller, yet more aggressive possums. 

Read more on pest control guidelines and regulations