Defence is playing an important role in supporting efforts to protect one of Australia’s rarest and most endangered marsupials.

At just 36cm long, the tiny nabarlek wallaby has been recorded at two new locations within the remote Yampi Sound Training Area in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, including one location where the species has not been documented for more than 50 years.

Located on Defence land, the Yampi Sound Training Area is managed by Defence and, due to its remoteness and outstanding environmental values, is recognised as one of 20 priority locations under the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan. The vast and rugged landscape provides critical habitat for a range of native wildlife.

This discovery highlights the importance of protecting some of Australia’s most remote and ecologically valuable landscapes and provides renewed optimism for the future of the species.

As part of Defence’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, Defence Property and Asset Services contractor Ventia delivers specialised land management services across the training area.

To undertake this work on the ground, Ventia engages Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), which works closely with Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation through a long-standing partnership.

Through this collaborative effort, AWC and Dambimangari rangers identified the nabarlek wallaby at the new locations using a combination of remote camera monitoring and genetic analysis, improving understanding of the species’ distribution across the region.

“This discovery of the nabarlek wallaby highlights the value of strong partnerships between Defence, Traditional Owners and industry partners, and demonstrates how effective land management can deliver meaningful environmental outcomes while supporting Defence capability,” Director General Estate Service Delivery Brigadier Gabrielle Follett said.

“It also highlights how targeted land management and environmental stewardship can deliver meaningful conservation outcomes while supporting Defence capability and protecting the unique natural values of this remarkable landscape.”

You can find more information about the AWC’s conservation work in the Kimberley here and learn more about the nabarlek wallaby here.