Brush-tailed rock-wallabies occur in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. They were once considered fairly common. However, in recent years they have experienced a dramatic reduction in range and abundance, particularly in Victoria and southern and western NSW. They are currently listed as an endangered species under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
Foxes are believed to be the most common reason for the brush-tailed rock-wallaby's decline. Foxes were introduced to Australia in the 1870s and have contributed to the decline of a range of native species. Foxes are agile climbers and are well-sized to fit into the crevices where young wallabies shelter while their mothers feed.
However, rock-wallabies face a number of other threats. These include:
* being preyed on by dogs and cats
* competition with goats and rabbits for habitat and food
* habitat degradation by human disturbance, clearing, weed invasion, fire and drought
* diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which is spread by cats
* inbreeding.