Diminishing wallaby numbers on Griffiths Island are alarming says Wildlife Victoria rescuer Monique Ferrier.
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After monitoring the marsupial over the summer months, Ms Ferrier is now urging Moyne Shire to act before the creature disappears from the iconic Port Fairy landmark.
"Over the last two weeks I have identified eight wallaby carcasses on Griffiths Island," Ms Ferrier said.
"Some are recent deaths and others older, possibly four to six weeks old, including young and adult sized.
"This is all in a very small area of the island between the causeway and the lighthouse area."
Ms Ferrier said the cause of the deaths is still uncertain.
"It's possibly dehydration, possibly poison," she said.
"I am aware that there is not fresh water on the island currently and that there probably has not been any rain or suitable devices to catch rain water for wildlife which reside on the island.
"Two weeks ago a very young wallaby joey was found ill in this area and trying to drink sea water and required transport to a wildlife carer to help it survive."
Despite contacting authorities with her concerns in January she said no action had been taken.
"I had previously contacted Moyne Shire Council and DEWLP in January with concerns that wallabies may have been poisoned by 1080 bait laid on the island for fox management," Ms Ferrier said.
"At this time I was not aware of how many wallabies had perished.
"I have received an email in response to my letter sent to Moyne Shire with little concern provided and no plan to help.
"I feel powerless and frustrated to think that our native wildlife inhabiting the island are slowly perishing before our eyes and no one appears to be concerned."
Tourists should also be warned of the fragility of the wallaby population on the island Ms Ferrier said.
"Knowing that a lot of people who visit bring their dogs with them it is a timely point to remind the community to ask visitors staying in caravan parks and private rentals to keep their dogs on leash to prevent dogs chasing wallabies and other wildlife that might be within the township," she said.
"Action is required quickly to prevent more deaths."
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