Wildlife group calls for more wallaby research

The head of a wildlife group on the island has called for 'more research' into wallabies.

The chief executive of the Manx Wildlife Trust says more research is needed into the Island's wild wallabies.

Leigh Morris took to Twitter to comment after a wallaby was spotted in Dalby by a motorist earlier this week.

The animals, which are native to Australia, have populated the Curraghs since a pair escaped from a wildlife park in the 1970s.

Mr Morris says the population - normally found in the northwest of the Island - could be spreading and possibly harming Manx habitats.

He adds the population needs research, followed by a discussion and agreement on how the wallabies are managed and cared for in the long term.

Sighting of a wallaby in the south of the #isleofman - are they spreading? People love to see them, but are they doing damage to #manxnature ? We need research, Island discussion and an agreement on how they are managed/cared for long term… ?????? @BiosphereIOM https://t.co/vfw2v0GBjk

— Leigh Morris (@MorrisLeigh) September 16, 2021