But this remote island located in the middle of the Irish Sea has earned a new — and perhaps unexpected — reputation. It's home to an iconic Australian marsupial: the red-necked wallaby.

In 2023, drone surveys by Manx Wildlife Trust identified 568 feral wallabies in Ballaugh Curragh, a protected marshland area on the Isle of Man.

Just two years later, the population had grown to 1,000 to 1,300, according to estimates from the local conservation charity.

all 3 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] 5 points 10 months ago (2 children)

In 2023, drone surveys by Manx Wildlife Trust identified 568 feral wallabies in Ballaugh Curragh, a protected marshland area on the Isle of Man.

Just two years later, the population had grown to 1,000 to 1,300, according to estimates from the local conservation charity.

That's a lot of wallabies for a small island. I know some people think they are cute, and want to keep them around, but invasive species hurt the environment.

  • source
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] [S] 3 points 10 months ago

    Like the possums in NZ there isn't really a good reason to keep them around - it's just interesting to see a switcheroo from the usual stories of other countries animals causing problems in Australia.

  • source
  • parent