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Bridled nail-tail wallaby

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description Bridled nail-tail wallaby Overview

The bridled nail-tail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata) is a rare, ground-dwelling macropod native to the grasslands and woodlands of central Queensland, Australia. First described by John Gould in 1841, the species was believed extinct until a surviving population was rediscovered near the town of Dingo in 1973. It is characterized by a distinctive white "bridle" stripe running across its shoulders and a small, keratinous nail-like spur hidden beneath the fur at the tip of its tail. The species remains highly endangered and is the focus of intensive captive breeding and predator-exclusion conservation programs.

help Bridled nail-tail wallaby FAQ

Why was the bridled nail-tail wallaby thought to be extinct?

There were no confirmed sightings for more than 35 years, so the species was presumed extinct. A surviving colony was rediscovered in 1973 on a grazing property near Dingo in central Queensland. [Wildlife Queensland](https://wildlife.org.au/news-resources/educational-resources/species-profiles/mammals/wallabies/bridled-nailtail-wallaby/)

Where is the bridled nail-tail wallaby still found in the wild?

The only known naturally wild population is at Taunton National Park, near Dingo in central Queensland. Smaller conservation populations have also been established at Avocet Nature Refuge and Idalia National Park.

What do bridled and nail-tail mean in the wallaby's name?

Bridled refers to the pale marking around the neck and shoulders, which resembles a bridle. Nail-tail refers to the small horny spur near the end of the tail, a feature of the genus Onychogalea.

What are the main threats to Onychogalea fraenata?

Habitat loss, altered fire patterns, introduced grasses, rabbits, wild dogs, cats, and foxes all put pressure on the species. Wildlife Queensland estimates that fewer than 500 bridled nail-tail wallabies remain in the wild across three populations. [Wildlife Queensland](https://wildlife.org.au/news-resources/educational-resources/species-profiles/mammals/wallabies/bridled-nailtail-wallaby/)

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