Woylie Decline

Parasite threats have been attributed to causing a dramatic decline in woylie populations in WA’s South-West at a recent symposium at Murdoch University.

Speaking at the Woylie Symposium held at Murdoch University last week, Environment Minister David Templeman said the woylie numbers decline by 70 to 80 per cent since 2001 meant the small kangaroo-like mammal was again in need of special protection.

“As a result, the woylie has been re-listed on Western Australia’s updated threatened species list to ensure it is given maximum protection and the best opportunity to again thrive,” Mr Templeman said.

“Threatened listing also leads to increased focus during environmental impact assessment, land-use planning and assessment of vegetation clearing applications.”

The woylie decline is being addressed by the Woylie Disease Reference Council which brings together WA’s expertise from the Department of Environment and Conservation, universities, the Perth Zoo and other specialists in wildlife disease.

Murdoch’s Parasitology Chair, Professor Andrew Thompson, who chairs the Woylie Disease Reference Council, said the symposium was the culmination of 18 months of collaborative research to address the huge decline in woylies.

Professor Thompson said there was still more work to do, particularly in investigating potential viral agents that might be involved and to find out the cause of the drop in numbers, and then try and establish strategies to halt the decline.