Wallaby sighting prompts call for vigilance in Tauwhare

Waikato Regional Council is asking farmers, contractors and residents in the Tauwhare area to keep an eye out for a wallaby after a recent sighting there.

The sighting was reported through the Ministry for Primary Industries' Report a Wallaby portal on 20 October. It was made by two people travelling west along Tauwhare Road, just past Tauwhare village, who reported seeing a wallaby hopping across a freshly cut hay paddock.

Waikato Regional Council senior biosecurity officer Dave Byers said a wallaby detection dog and handler were deployed to the area on the morning of 22 October to investigate the report.

“Unfortunately, contractors were actively working across several paddocks when the team arrived, making it difficult for the detection dog to effectively search the area. It also means there is very little suitable habitat in the immediate area, so the animal is likely to have continued moving through the landscape.

“While we have not been able to confirm the sighting, the report is credible and we are asking the local community to remain vigilant.

“Wallabies can travel considerable distances and may move quickly through open farmland. That’s why timely reporting of sightings is so important.

“Every report helps build a picture of where wallabies might be present and supports efforts to prevent them establishing new populations.”

Wallabies are classified as unwanted organisms under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and can have significant environmental and economic impacts.

“They browse on native seedlings, ferns and grasses, degrading native habitats and reducing food and shelter for native wildlife.

“They can also damage commercial forestry by feeding on young pine and eucalyptus seedlings and compete with livestock for pasture.”

Waikato Regional Council is working alongside Bay of Plenty Regional Council, iwi, the Department of Conservation, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand and Biosecurity New Zealand as part of the Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme to prevent wallabies spreading into new areas.

Mr Byers urged anyone who sees a wallaby in the Tauwhare area, or anywhere else in the Waikato region, to report it immediately.

“The sooner we receive reports, the better the chance of locating and removing animals before they can establish breeding populations.

“Farmers, contractors and rural residents are often our eyes and ears on the ground, and their assistance is invaluable.”

Anyone who sees a wallaby should report it at www.reportwallabies.nz.

For pest control advice, contact Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800 401 and ask to speak with a biosecurity officer, or visit waikatoregion.govt.nz/wallaby for more information.