Hope hops: Race to save most endangered mammal from bushfire devastation

Four southern brush-tailed rock wallabies were sighted by a helicopter during a food drop over the rocky outcrops where they live.

As part of the biodiversity bushfire rapid response, Forest Fire Management Victoria was working to protect remaining key habitat areas and support at-risk biodiversity in the fire-affected areas.

Food and supplement packages containing carrots, sweet potatoes, macropod pellets, and lucerne were dropped at the site.

Grampians National Park area chief ranger Charlie Richardson said the critical focus was on getting food to the colony, with the fires making food sources scarce.

"They can be quite clever in protecting themselves from the initial fire, and that's why it is so critical to get in there as quickly as possible to make sure they have enough food," Mr Richardson said.

Fewer than 100 of the wallabies remain in the wild between the Grampians, where they were reintroduced in 2008 to safeguard from extinction, and east Gippsland.

"The brush-tailed rock wallaby is so endangered largely due to feral pests, predators, foxes, and cats that are devastating the Grampians landscape," Mr Richardson said.

Between 15 and 50 wallabies are believed to be living in the Grampians National Park, he said.

While safety and access to the devastated areas is currently a problem, he said once ground crews deem the areas safe, the rangers will "get in there as well" to sustain a medium and long-term program for the wallabies, "which will be absolutely required".

More than 76,000 hectares have been scorched in the Grampians National Park and Macedon Range.

Forest Fire Management Victoria said no one should enter firegrounds to search for wildlife.

If you find an injured animal impacted by a bushfire, report it to DEECA by calling 136 186 or via the Wildlife Emergency App at https://wildlife.ffm.vic.gov.au/