The uncontrolled release of wallabies for hunting is helping the pest to spread, says Landcare Research.
Bennetts wallabies, the largest species, have been seen at Mt Oxford, west of Christchurch, and in the north branch of the Godley River Valley, at the head of Lake Tekapo. It has also been claimed that some have been released on Banks Peninsula.
The Department of Conservation has spent six years eradicating brushtailed rock wallabies from Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Kawau Island also has a large wallaby population.
Landcare scientist Bruce Warburton said the closest established wallaby population to the South Island sites was in the Hunters' Hills, near Timaru.
The only way they could have spread was by being released by hunters. "They certainly couldn't have hopped there themselves."
Freeing animals was an offence under the Wild Animal Control Act.
Mr Warburton said wallabies damaged native forests and competed with cattle and sheep in farming areas.
Research needed to be undertaken to find out how to eradicate new populations before they became established.
- NZPA
Hunters blamed for spread of wallabies
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