Swamp wallabies seen in Oatley Park

On 1 November 2007, local newspaper The Leader published my photo and story about swamp wallabies in Oatley Park.

They also published my website address, leading to many great sighting reports coming through to me.

BY JIM GAINSFORD

A RARE sighting of a swamp wallaby has been recorded north of the Georges River in Oatley Park, prompting calls for residents to be on the lookout for the rare visitor.

The adult male was photographed recently by Penshurst amateur naturalist Chris Rehberg.

Swamp wallabies at Oatley have been uncommon in the past 50 years but there have been several sightings in recent years.

Mr Rehberg has a website devoted to wildlife conservation and is involved in the annual Great Australian Marsupial Night Stalk, which spotlights and photographs wildlife for Perth Zoo.

Mr Rehberg first spotted a swamp wallaby in Oatley Park in September last year.

"I was walking with my daughter when we approached a rock pile and we heard something hopping away," he said.

"I tried to follow it and after about 20 minutes I was able to get a photo."

Two weeks later, Mr Rehberg was spotlighting for Perth Zoo when he sighted another swamp wallaby.

"This year, I happened to be in part of the park I hadn't been to before and I saw one and was able to photograph it," he said.

"I was surprised and happy to see one in the area again after 12 months. It is quite possible there is a small colony in the bushland between Oatley and Lugarno.

"They tend to feed on a number of different plants and they lead solitary lives. They don't really herd like other kangaroos so they can live in small pockets of bushland."

Mr Rehberg wants to hear from anyone who sees a swamp wallaby or any other unusual fauna wildlife in the Oatley Park area.

Details: Wherelightmeetsdark.com. You'll find the contact link in the WLMD tab.