Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 23. Adavale Escarpment (Adavale – Blackall Road)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: M302
PRIORITY SPECIES: Animals:
yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus
celeris).
RATING: HIGH NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE
SHIRE COUNCIL: QUILPIE SHIRE
The Adavale Escarpment (Plate 55) is classified as an active stock route although no
cattle have been over this route for many years. The stock route and road converge
to descend down an attractive conglomerate escarpment with a drop of some 30
metres. The area has records of yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus
celeris), although none were seen during the field visit. During the field visit a
peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was sighted launching from the escarpment, and
undoubtedly falcon eyries exist around its perimeter.
Plate 55. Adavale Escarpment / Blackall Road (Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: Feral goats have taken over the top of the escarpment, are dramatically
impacting on the vegetation, and have possibly displaced most macropods.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: None.
RECOMMENDATIONS: There is the urgent need to remove the goats from the
Adavale Escarpment. A closer survey is also needed to determine if yellow-footed
rock-wallaby still exist at the site, and if so, to determine strategies for their
protection.
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