Wallabies (various species) are subject to an Exclusion programme as part of the Regional Pest Management Plan 2018.
Bennett's Wallaby and Dama Wallaby are well established in South Canterbury and Rotorua areas respectively. There have been unconfirmed sightings in Marlborough and there is a risk of both illegal liberations or pet escapes. Marlborough's hill country and/or forested ecosystems of the Marlborough Sounds would provide ideal Wallaby habitat. If populations were to become established, the impact on both the ecosystems and hill country pastoral farming would be significant.
Being subject to an exclusion programme allows Council to take swift action should any presence in Marlborough be suspected.
