health
Country diary: Our island’s wandering wallabies come at a cost
Ballaugh, Isle of Man: As I discover, spotting one of these marsupials isn’t hard. The problem is how to manage them
TL;DR
- Red-necked wallabies, introduced in the 1960s, now number around 800 on the Isle of Man.
- Their population growth has negatively impacted the Ballaugh Curraghs, a designated wetland of international importance, by disturbing or consuming key plant species.
- Wallabies carry toxoplasmosis, a parasite harmful to pregnant women, and liver fluke.
- Traffic accidents have occurred as drivers swerve to avoid wallabies, and there are fears for the safety of TT riders.
- The wallabies have displaced wildlife, such as hen harriers, from their traditional roosting sites.
- The wallabies themselves may be suffering from inbreeding and a poor diet.
- Manx Wildlife Trust is developing a management policy to address these issues.