Isle of Man Wallaby Population Estimated at Approximately 1,000, Survey Reveals

A recent survey conducted on the Isle of Man suggests an estimated wild wallaby population of approximately 1,000 individuals. This new assessment identified an additional 297 wallabies, bringing the confirmed minimum population to 869 when integrated with findings from a 2023 review focused on the Ballaugh Curraghs area. The most recent investigation into this population, which has expanded since some wallabies escaped a wildlife park in the 1960s, employed drone-based thermal imaging technology to examine additional regions. The report, commissioned by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) and executed by BH Wildlife, indicated that the total count is probably within the range of 950 to 1,050. This recent initiative took place over six days in April, utilizing drone-mounted technology to monitor wallabies across 988 acres (400 hectares) of diverse terrain, encompassing moorlands and forests. The presence of this non-native species was confirmed in the Sulby Glen, Tholt-y-Will, Ramsey Forest, and the western part of Ballaugh Glen areas; however, no wallabies were sighted in the Central Valley or Cooildarry. The research established a strong correlation between the presence of wallabies and “cover of some sort,” predominantly woodland. Furthermore, it was observed that these marsupials formed groups varying in size from one to 44 individuals, though their “densities” generally decreased further away from the Ballaugh Curragh. Leigh Morris of the Manx Wildlife Trust, an organization that assisted in facilitating the survey, stated that prior estimations “ranged from scores, to hundreds,” making the current survey “an important first step to better understand the number of our feral wallabies.” He added, “Our aim is to ensure that future conversations… and any potential need to manage the population are appropriately informed.” Defa Minister Clare Barber commented that the department is “now looking at the best ways to assess the health of the wallaby population.” She further stated, “Once we have that data, we can evaluate the impact on the local environment and determine whether any changes in management are necessary.” The recent census additionally documented 245 feral goats, including young, within the Bulgham Bay area of Maughold. These goats were observed in fields, on cliff faces, beside the Manx Electric Railway, and among the rocks along the shoreline.