Around 1,000 wallabies are believed to be living in the Manx countryside, according to a report published by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).
This figure follows the first-ever island-wide population survey, commissioned by DEFA earlier this year. The census tracked the wallabies across 988 acres (400 hectares) using thermal imaging technology mounted on a drone.
During the six-day survey, 297 individual wallabies were recorded. However, based on the results of this study and an earlier survey in 2023, which focused solely on the Ballaugh Curragh, the report estimates the total population to be closer to 1,000.
Leigh Morris, Director of the Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), said:
'We are confident that the drone data is accurate for the areas we have surveyed, but inevitably some will have evaded us in the Island.
“Prior to the survey, population estimates ranged from scores, to 100s, and this is therefore an important first step to better understand the number of our feral wallabies. Our aim is to ensure that future conversations about the Island’s wallabies (and goats), and any potential need to manage the population are appropriately informed.'
Clare Barber MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, commented:
'The department is now looking at the best ways to assess the health of the wallaby population. Once we have that data, we can evaluate the impact on the local environment and determine whether any changes in management are necessary.'
DEFA commissioned the Manx Wildlife Trust to produce the report, with drone specialists BH Wildlife Consultancy carrying out the survey. The study also recorded feral goat numbers, with 245 goats observed in the Lonan and Maughold areas, including kids.
