Wurrup
VU

Wurrup

Lagorchestes hirsutus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rufous_hare-wallaby

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Wurrup faces severe population decline primarily due to predation by introduced European red foxes and feral cats, which have devastated small marsupial populations across Australia. Habitat degradation from overgrazing by introduced herbivores and altered fire regimes has reduced the quality of dense shrubland cover essential for the species' survival. Competition with introduced rabbits for food resources and shelter sites further compounds these pressures on remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Wurrup inhabits dense shrublands and heathlands with thick understory vegetation, particularly areas dominated by Melaleuca and Acacia species. It requires areas with substantial ground cover and low shrubs that provide protection from predators and suitable nesting sites.

Other threatened species in Macropodidae

Mountain PademelonEN

Mountain Pademelon

Thylogale lanatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Wurrup classified as Vulnerable?
Wurrup is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Wurrup faces severe population decline primarily due to predation by introduced European red foxes and feral cats, which have devastated small marsupial populations across Australia. Habitat degradation from overgrazing by introduced herbivores and altered fire regimes has reduced the quality of dense shrubland cover essential for the species' survival. Competition with introduced rabbits for food resources and shelter sites further compounds these pressures on remaining populations.
Where does Wurrup live?
Wurrup occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Wurrup?
The main threats to Wurrup are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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