'Where's wallaby?': Survey gives accurate figure of wild population for first time

Surveys conducted with thermal imaging cameras at Ballaugh Curragh

The number of wild wallabies in the Ballaugh Curragh has been counted, accurately, for the first time.

Two surveys, carried out across two nights in January, found an average of 568 wallabies - a density of 140 per square-kilometre.

Surveyor, Ben Harrower of BH Wildlife Consultancy, used a thermal-imaging camera mounted to a drone to conduct the count, though it's said strong winds prevented them from doing as much surveying as hoped.

The count was commissioned by the Manx Wildlife Trust.

MWT CEO Leigh Morris says they are 'confident with the numbers' and the aim of the survey is to have 'more informed discussions' about the future management of the site.