MAMMALS

A 2000 preliminary survey of the Brigalow related areas in northern NSW identified 21 native mammal species from the Goonoo forest, 10 of which are species of bats. Several of the bat species are considered to be rare or declining in the area and the population of Eastern Pygmy Possums is one of the most westerly in the state.

When visiting the forest the native mammals you are most likely to see are Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies and Echidnas. Eastern Greys are particularly common along the western and southern edges of the forest close to farmed land. Most other species are nocturnal. Wombats and koalas are very rare, wombats being most likely along the eastern edges of the forest adjoining pastures. 

Unfortunately feral animals are common in the forest particularly goats and pigs. Pig populations increase significantly in wet seasons. Foxes and cats are regularly seen and it is also likely that wild dogs are present. Hares are present around the edges of the forest and there is evidence that rabbit populations have increased in the last few years. Deer have also been seen in the south eastern part of the forest. 

The Dubbo Field Naturalists & Conservation Society (https://www.dubbofieldnats.org.au/) produce the best guide to the plants and animals you might expect to come across in the forest. Their publication “Plants and Animals of the Dubbo Region” is available to order online.

A detailed survey of the fauna and flora of the forest is included in;

.Brigalow Belt South Regional Assessment 2000

Survey of vertebrate fauna and habitats in a cypress pine-ironbark forest in Central-West New South Wales : Darren Shelly Australian Zoologist 30(4). 426-436. 1998.