A Bennett's wallaby (file image). Photo: 123rf
No wallabies were spotted during an extensive search near Te Anau following concerns they may had spread to Southland.
Environment Southland launched an investigation after receiving a wallaby report in mid-September - its third report near Te Anau this year.
Wallabies eat grass, native shrubs and trees, can damage pasture and fences, exacerbate erosion and damage young tree seedlings.
Possible wallaby scat was found during the initial search, but the sample results came back inconclusive.
Environment Southland biosecurity and biodiversity operations manager Ali Meade said that result was likely due to the age of the sample and weather before it was collected.
Specialists, detector dogs, trail cameras and thermal camera drones were then used in the area from Te Anau townshop, along the lake foreshore to the Waiau River and down to Supply Bay Road.
"No indications of a wallaby presence were found during this stage," Meade said.
"Undertaking such a comprehensive search allows us to reassure the public that it is highly unlikely that a wallaby population has established in the area."
The search would wrap up unless further credible reports were received.
She thanked the public for remaining alert about the threat and reporting.
"It would be devastating for a population of wallabies to establish in the region."
All sightings or signs of wallabies should be reported online [www.reportwallabies.nz here].
There have been 20 reports of wallabies in Southland since 2015 with one wallaby found in Invercargill in 2016.
Under the Biosecurity Act, it is illegal to move, breed, sell, or release wallabies without a permit, with penalties for breaches including up to five years in prison and/or be fined up to $100,000.
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