WA: Woylies threatened, WA minister says

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2008
WA: Woylies threatened, WA minister says

West Australian Environment Minister DAVID TEMPLEMAN says woylies have been listed
as a threatened species .. after a dramatic decline in numbers of the kangaroo-like marsupial.

Scientists believe a mystery disease may be responsible for the sharp drop in numbers
since 2001 .. and have identified key suspects including parasites.

Mr TEMPLEMAN says in 2001 the woylie population reached a peak of around 40 thousand individuals.

But he says there's been an estimated 70 to 80 per cent decline in woylie numbers since
that time.

AAP RTV lk/af/wf

KEYWORD: WOYLIE (PERTH)

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