Pest Spotlight: Wallabies – The Silent Grazers Threatening Rural NZ
- T & C's Pest Control Services
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Wallabies might not be the first pest that comes to mind when thinking about rural property threats in New Zealand, but for landowners in certain regions, they are becoming an increasingly serious issue. Introduced from Australia in the late 19th century, wallabies have established themselves in several parts of New Zealand, where they cause widespread damage to farmland, forestry, and native ecosystems.
Unlike more visible pests such as rabbits or possums, wallabies are elusive, nocturnal, and tend to go unnoticed until the damage becomes significant. As winter sets in, these silent grazers become more active in lowland areas, venturing further onto rural land in search of food and shelter. At T & C’s Pest Control Services, we help rural landowners understand the risks wallabies pose and take action to reduce their impact.
Where Are Wallabies Found in NZ?
There are five species of wallabies in New Zealand, but the two most common are the dama wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus). Bennett’s wallabies are mainly found in South Canterbury and North Otago, where they have established a stronghold in hill country and forested areas. Dama wallabies, on the other hand, are more prevalent in parts of the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua Lakes District.
Although their spread has been slow, recent sightings and monitoring suggest wallabies are expanding their range. This poses a growing concern for rural landowners, particularly in areas near conservation land, forestry blocks, and pasture.
Why Wallabies Are a Problem in Rural Areas
Wallabies are herbivores with a high appetite for a range of vegetation, including pasture grasses, crops, and young trees. Unlike rabbits, which tend to graze short and intensively, wallabies are browsers, feeding on shrubs, seedlings, and low-hanging foliage. In winter, when natural food is scarce, they move into open pasture and farmland, competing directly with livestock for valuable feed.
One of the biggest challenges with wallabies is the difficulty in detecting them early. Their nocturnal habits and low population density in some regions mean they can be present for months before significant damage is noticed. By that point, pasture quality may be compromised, forestry seedlings stripped, and soil erosion increased due to the loss of protective vegetation cover.
Wallabies also damage fencing as they move through properties, and once a few establish themselves, their population can grow rapidly without control efforts. Female wallabies often give birth to a joey in late autumn or winter, which remains in the pouch for several months and can lead to ongoing population growth even during colder months.
Impact on Native Bush and Biodiversity
In addition to their effect on farmland, wallabies pose a serious threat to native biodiversity. They compete with native species for food, trample undergrowth, and prevent native bush regeneration by eating seedlings and young plants. In regions where wallabies are present, they have been linked to changes in forest structure and a decline in native plant diversity.
Their presence in conservation areas and forest margins is of particular concern, as they are difficult to manage once established in dense bush. The longer wallabies go unchecked, the greater their impact on New Zealand’s unique ecosystems.
Winter Wallaby Behaviour – What to Expect
During winter, wallabies seek out sheltered areas such as gullies, bush edges, and lower elevation paddocks where they can graze without disturbance. As pasture growth slows, they are more likely to target crop paddocks, hay fields, and forest plantations. Their movement patterns become more predictable, which makes winter an ideal time for monitoring and control.
Landowners may notice bare patches in pasture, especially near bush edges, or see tracks and droppings in soft soil. However, due to their low-profile and quiet habits, wallabies can continue to damage land even when their presence isn’t immediately obvious.
The Cost of Wallaby Damage
The economic impact of wallabies is significant. In regions with established populations, they can cause millions of dollars in damage annually through lost pasture, crop destruction, and reduced forest yields. Landowners may also face increased costs for replanting, erosion control, and fence repairs.
On a broader scale, wallabies contribute to long-term environmental degradation, affecting water quality, soil stability, and the ability of land to support productive farming and forestry.
Taking Action Against Wallabies
If you’re in a region where wallabies are known to be present—or suspect they may be encroaching on your land—it’s important to act early. Monitoring signs of activity during winter and reducing numbers before spring ensures pasture and crop protection, minimizes further spread, and protects native bush from long-term harm.
At T & C’s Pest Control Services, we understand the challenges of managing wallabies on rural properties. We work with landowners to identify wallaby activity and implement effective control solutions tailored to the land type and level of infestation.
Protect Your Land from Wallaby Damage
Wallabies may be quiet, but the damage they cause is anything but. As their populations grow and spread, so does their threat to productive rural land and native ecosystems. Don’t wait for signs of serious damage—if you suspect wallabies are active on or near your property, contact T & C’s Pest Control Services for expert support and targeted pest control.
Contact Us: tandcsnz@gmail.com
Service Areas: Greater Wellington Region and surrounding rural areas
Website: https://www.tandcspestcontrolnz.com/
Let’s work together to keep your property pest-free this autumn—the humane way.
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