A mob of wild wallabies has been spotted near Crieff in Perthshire. The sighting was made by members of the public on Thursday, October 22, and Perth and Kinross Council has confirmed the mammals are part of a wild population in Scotland.
Council asks for public reports
The local authority has asked anyone who comes across the wild animals to report their sightings. In a statement, the council said: "Thanks to everyone who notified us of the wallabies spotted near Crieff on Thursday. We understand they are part of a wild population in Scotland. Sightings can be reported to tracking websites such as iRecord.org.uk or iNaturalist.org."
The statement added: "And before anyone checks the calendar, yes, it really is 23 October, not 1 April..."
Wild colony on Inchconnachan
Scotland is home to a wild colony of red-necked wallabies living on Inchconnachan, a small island in Loch Lomond. The animals were introduced to the island in the 1940s by Lady Arran Colquhoun (Fiona Bryde Gore, Countess of Arran).
It is one of the few places outside Australia with a viable population of wallabies. Some reports claim the animals have been spotted hopping across a frozen loch during severe winters. The wallabies have survived by feeding on native plants such as oak, holly and birch.
No official count exists
While no official count of the population exists, the species continues to inhabit the island largely undisturbed. Members of the public have suggested that the population in Crieff may have started from escapees of a nearby wildlife park.
Writing online, Craig Holmes said: "The 'wild' population in Crieff was started many, many years ago from escapees of Auchingarrich Wildlife Park." Nicola Reilly commented: "A few of them used to go into my horse's field up by Comrie many years ago. I'm sure they had escaped from Auchengarrich and could just never be caught. Pretty cool." Shona Payne said: "Been there for years. Think they were escapes from somewhere and they have been breeding and surviving fine."
