Wallabies released in New Zealand now occupy more than 200,000 hectares

Wallabies introduced to New Zealand more than a century ago have now spread across more than 200,000 hectares in the Bay of Plenty region. The animals feed on native tree seedlings, ferns and grasses, damage plantation trees and compete with livestock for pasture. Authorities warn that unchecked wallabies could eventually occupy one-third of New Zealand by 2065 and cause $84 million in annual damage.