Wallabies and kangaroos

(Macropodidae)

Class Mammalia

Order Diprotodontia

Family Macropodidae

Thumbnail description
Kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos are a diverse group of herbivorous terrestrial and arboreal marsupials; universally have strongly developed hind legs and long tails; all members of the family are furred and have prominent ears and thin necks

Size
Head and body length ranges from 11 to 91 in (290–2,300 mm); tail length ranges from 6 to 43 in (150–1,090 mm); weight from 3 to 187 lb (1.4–85 kg)

Number of genera, species
11 genera; 62 species

Habitat
Found in almost all habitat types, from rainforests to deserts; some degree of habitat specificity occurs within particular genera

Conservation status
Extinct: 4 species; Endangered: 7 species; Vulnerable: 9 species; Lower Risk/Near Threatened: 11 species; Data Deficient: 3 species

Distribution
Australia, New Guinea, parts of Irian Jaya, and several Indonesian islands. Introduced into Britain, Germany, Hawaii, and New Zealand

Evolution and systematics

The family Macropodidae is the largest family in the order Diprotodontia. This large and diverse order contains the two suborders, Vombatiformes, including the koala and wombats, and Phalangerida, which includes the possums, gliders, potoroos, kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos. As the order Diprotodontia sits within the subclass Marsupialia, the kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos also have strong evolutionary links to the other elements of the native Australian mammal fauna, including the carnivorous marsupials, bandicoots and bilbies. The Macropodidae have been classified into two subfamilies, the Sthenurinae and the Macropodinae. The fossil records indicate that the Sthenurinae was a successful group during the Pleistocene when it had at least 20 species. It is now represented by a single species, the banded hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus). The remaining living members of the family, which includes 61 individual species from 10 separate genera, all comprise the subfamily Macropodinae. This diverse subfamily is most often treated as eight subgroups on the basis of distinctive associations within the separate genera. These subgroups are: typical kangaroos and wallabies of the genus Macropus (14 species); anomalous wallabies, including the two monospecific genera, Wallabia and Setonix; rock wallabies of the genus Petrogale (16 species); pademelons of the genus Thylogale (six species); nail-tailed wallabies of the genus Onychogalea (three species); true hare-wallabies of the genus Lagorchestes (four species); tree kangaroos of the genus Dendrolagus (10 species); and New Guinea forest wallabies, including the genera, Dorcopsis (four species) and Dorcopsulus (two species).

Physical characteristics

While there is dramatic diversity within the family, the general body shape, incorporating strongly developed hind limbs that make the forelimbs and upper body look small, a long tail, and prominent ears, is shared by all members. The family name Macropodidae is actually derived from the word Macropus, which means "big foot" in reference to the characteristic long hind feet that enables the kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos to adopt their characteristic hopping gait. Kangaroos are, in fact, the largest mammals to hop on both feet. Hopping is not, however, the only way that the members of this diverse family get about. In contrast to their

powerful hind limbs, the forelimbs of most macropodids are small and rather weakly developed. In the larger species where there is distinct size dimorphism between males and females, the forelimbs of males show a disproportionate amount of development for the purposes of display and fighting. The fore-limbs of the tree kangaroos are also relatively more developed than in other genera to aid in climbing. As a consequence of the large number of species included within the family, there is an enormous size range with the group. At the smallest end of the scale are species such as the hare-wallabies that have adult head-body lengths of only 11 in (290 mm) and weigh only 3 lb (1.4 kg). At the other end are the large gray kangaroos with adult head-body lengths up to 91 in (2,300 mm) and weighing up to 187 lb (85 kg). There is also significant variation in the fur color and patterning both between and within species in the family Macropodidae. Colors range from sandy red through to black and there is a huge range of intermediate colors and mixes. Many species have distinct stripes or markings in the form of either back stripes, thigh and shoulder patches/flashes, and eye lines or patches. A few of the tree kangaroo and rock wallaby species also display distinct tail stripes.

Distribution

Representatives of the Macropodidae family are broadly distributed all over Australia and through regions of New

Guinea, Irian Jaya, and several Indonesian islands. Of the 11 genera within the family, six are restricted to Australia: Wallabia, Setonix, Petrogale, Onychogalea, Lagorchestes, and Lagostrophus. The large and diverse Macropus genus is almost confined to Australia, with the agile wallaby being the only species that occurs naturally outside Australia. Two genera, Dorcopsis and Dorcopsulus, are restricted to the New Guinea/Indonesia region. A range of other species, including eight of the 10 Dendrolagus tree kangaroos, and three of the six Thylogale pademelons, are also found only in that region. In addition to their widespread natural occurrence, several species have been introduced into other regions of the world, including Britain, Germany, Hawaii, and New Zealand. Self-sustaining populations of brush-tailed rock wallaby continue to persist on the islands of Oahu (Hawaii) and Kawau, Rangitoto, and Motutapu (New Zealand).

Habitat

Kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos are represented in almost all habitat types in Australia and New Guinea, including alpine grasslands, high-altitude rainforests, spinifex deserts, and coastal savannahs. Many habitat types support four

or more species, and some woodland and forested areas along Australia's eastern Dividing Range are known to support as many as 12 different kangaroo and wallaby species. Some degree of habitat specificity occurs within particular macropodid

genera. The New Guinea forest wallabies (Dorcopsis and Dorcopsulus) and the tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus) are restricted to rainforest habitats in the northern tropics of Australia and New Guinea. While the pademelons (Thylogale) also have an association with moist forests, they inhabit a broader range of forest types distributed from New Guinea to Tasmania. The rock wallabies (Petrogale) occur in habitats ranging from the arid zone to the wet tropics, but always have a close association with rocky hillsides, boulder piles, or cliff lines. The remaining genera have less well-defined habitat associations. The hare-wallabies (Lagorchestes) and the nail-tailed wallabies (Onychogalea) are found in arid and semi-arid habitats as diverse as Triodia grasslands, Acacia shrublands, and savannas. The genus Macropus is undoubtedly the most cosmopolitan with respect to habitats, with members of the genus occurring in most habitat types across Australia as well as in New Guinea.

Behavior

The general patterns of dispersion and social organization within the Macropodidae share a reasonably common trend

with like-sized bovids and cervids, whereby the small, selective feeders tend to be dispersed and solitary and the large nonselective grazers tend to be aggregated and gregarious. This pattern is most obvious in the tendency of some of the larger species within the genus Macropus to form groups (often called "mobs") that may contain 50 of more animals. While there is some social organization within these groups, it is extremely flexible with age/sex classes intermingling, feeding ranges not defended, and mating being promiscuous. The patterns

of association of age/sex classes have been studied for a number of different species within the Macropodiae. In general, females were found to relate to the distribution of their resources in a way that maximizes their chances of successfully rearing young. Males, in comparison, overlap the distribution of females such that high status individuals gain greater access to mating opportunities. In the medium and large species, a male's status is based largely on size and this is the principal factor influencing males' mating success. This male hierarchy is extremely dynamic, and aggressive interactions between males in both solitary and gregarious species occur regularly in order to establish individual status. These aggressive interactions are quite ritualized in the larger and more sexually dimorphic species. Many of the smaller species adopt an activity pattern that is either nocturnal or crespuscular, a strategy they adopt to avoid predation and, in some cases, the harshness of hot and dry environments. Most of the larger species are active throughout the day, but their activity peaks around dawn and dusk. The social grouping displayed by larger species provides some security from predation that is absent in the more solitary species.

Feeding ecology and diet

The kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos are predominantly herbivorous, although some of the smaller species will eat invertebrates and fungi. In general, the smaller species tend to be more selective in their feeding habits than the larger species. Smaller species such as the hare-wallabies and nail-tailed wallabies preferentially seek out scattered, high-quality food items such as seeds, fruits, and actively growing plants. In contrast, the larger kangaroos are better able to process lower-quality food items and can incorporate a wide range of plants. An enlarged fore stomach in macropodids performs in a similar way to the rumen in eutherian grazing species and enables kangaroos and wallabies to digest low-quality food. Some of the large plains kangaroos rely almost entirely on grasses. Food availability is clearly influenced by habitat productivity and seasonal conditions. The diets of species that occupy moist forest habitats, therefore, generally include more fruits and dicot leaves compared to the diets of species occupying more arid habitats. The dramatic effects of season ensure that most species adopt an opportunistic feeding strategy that takes advantage of particular feed resources that may be available in the environment for only limited periods.

Reproductive biology

The mating system is promiscuous. The age at which kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos reach sexual maturity

is strongly correlated with adult body size. Females of the larger kangaroo species can breed at two to three years, whereas in some of the smaller species, females can conceive at or slightly before the time of weaning at four to five months. In most cases, males reach sexual maturity some

time after the females, and in some species their participation in mating is further delayed due to social dynamics within cohorts. The larger species exhibit significant sexual size dimporphism, as larger males are able to get the majority of mating opportunities. This dimorphism is less prominent in the smaller species where males and females reach the same adult size. All the macropodids produce only a single young at a birth. Most species exhibit the reproductive phenomenon of embryonic dipause, in which the development of a new embryo is halted at an unimplanted blastocyst stage until about a month before an existing pouch-young permanently vacates the mother pouch. This reproductive adaptation effectively reduces the time interval between births and enables macropodids to respond quickly to both favorable seasonal conditions and to the loss of an existing young. While all species appear to be capable of producing young at all times throughout the year, some species have distinct breeding seasons, most probably in response to seasonal conditions. Like other members of the subclass Marsupialia, kangaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos give birth to tiny (0.2–0.6 in [0.5–1.5 cm]), unfurred young in which the tail, hind limbs, and eyes are not fully developed. At birth, this macropodid neonate uses its strong forelimbs to clamber from its mother's cloacal opening to a teat inside her forward-opening pouch. The neonate attaches to the mother until it is relatively well developed. The duration of the pouch life varies between species from 180 to 320 days. Having vacated the pouch, the young-at-foot will continue to suckle from the mother for between one to six months. This young-at-foot stage is longer in the larger species, and may be virtually absent in some of the smaller species.

Conservation status

The conservation status of the Macropodidae has altered greatly in modern times, principally in response to human disturbances associated with European colonization and development of Australia and New Guinea. Of the 62 modern species described for the family, four are now Extinct, one species is Critically Endangered, seven species are Endangered, and a further 18 species are considered to be Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Smaller species from the more arid regions have faired worse and account for three of the four Extinct species. The primary causes for these declines include loss of habitat, competition from herbivores such as the introduced European rabbit, sheep, and goat, and predation by introduced carnivores such as the red fox and cat. The impacts of habitat loss have been particularly severe for several of the New Guinea tree kangaroo species, as rainforest areas are cleared for forestry and agriculture. In contrast to the situation with the smaller species, European settlement has had little impact on the larger kangaroos and wallabies. A number of the larger species may in fact have increased in range and numbers in response to both the clearing of native vegetation for the establishment of pastures and the provision of artificial watering points for domestic livestock. Comparisons between historical accounts and recent surveys suggest that species such as the red kangaroo, eastern gray kangaroo, western gray kangaroo, and common wallaroo may now be more abundant than at the time of European settlement of Australia.

Significance to humans

Rock art in Australia's Arnhem Land plateau clearly depicts a number of kangaroo and wallaby species that were used

by Australian Aborigines. Characteristics of species were generally emphasized in these drawings, which date to 20,000 years before present. These very early pictorial records provide useful information on past distributions of some macropod species and give an indication of the long history of human exploitation. The Aborigines considered the unique Australian wildlife both as a food source and as "partners" in the land. Macropods were the principal animal group consistently exploited by Aborigines. In addition to their use as a food resource, kangaroos and wallabies also feature prominently in traditional dreamtime stories and were culturally significant. Tim Flannery provides detailed accounts of traditional uses of kangaroos and wallabies by New Guinea natives. Early European settlers and pastoralists in both Australia and New Guinea initially valued kangaroos and wallabies as sources of food and hides. It was not long, however, before sheep ranchers regarded macropods as competitors for stock fodder. A trade in macropod skins developed in the mid-nineteenth century. By this time, the large macropods were considered a pest by pastoralists in New South Wales and Queensland, and killing was required by legislation. This legal harvesting was the precursor to the current commercial harvesting of kangaroos that sees some two to four million red kangaroos, eastern and western gray kangaroos, and common wallaroos shot every year in Australia. This modern harvest is strictly monitored and regulated and, for the most part, humane. Population monitoring and a sustainable quota system are used to avoid overexploitation. Kangaroos are a quintessential part Australia's national and international identity. They feature prominently in coats of arms, flags, and corporate logos, and are the principal wildlife experience sought by inbound tourists to Australia.

Species accounts

List of Species

Banded hare-wallaby

Lagostrophus fasciatus

subfamily

Sthenurinae

taxonomy

Lagostrophus fasciatus (Perón and Lesueur, 1807), Bernier Island, Australia.Two subspecies.

other common names

English: Munning; French: Wallaby-lièvre rayé, wallaby-lièvre à bandes; Spanish: Canguro-liebre rayado.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 16–18 in (400–450 mm); tail length 14–16 in (350–400 mm); weight 3–5 lb (1.3–2.1 kg). Small wallaby with dark grizzled gray coat on back and sides featuring distinctive transverse bands from the mid-back to the base of the tail.

distribution

Extinct on Australian mainland; remaining only on Bernier and Dorre Islands.

habitat

Extant populations associated with thick low scrub and Triodia grasslands.

behavior

Solitary, nocturnal species that sits beneath thick cover during daylight.

feeding ecology and diet

Dicotyledonous plants, including malvaceous and leguminous shrubs, represent main food items. Grasses account for less than half the dietary intake.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 12 months; pouch life 180 days. Probably polygynous or promiscuous.

conservation status

Lagostrophus fasciatus albipilis: Extinct; Lagostrophus fasciatus fasciatus: Vulnerable.

significance to humans

Significant to Aborigines as food source and included in dreamtime stories.

Agile wallaby

Macropus agilis

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Macropus agilis (Gould, 1842), Port Essington, Northern Territory, Australia.

other common names

English: Sandy wallaby, jungle wallaby.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 23–33 in (593–850 mm); tail length 23–33 in (593–850 mm); weight 20–60 lb (9–27 kg). Sandy-brown color on back and sides, with whitish underside. Distinctive dark head stripe and light thigh stripe.

distribution

Tropical coastal areas of northern Australia and southern New Guinea.

habitat

Monsoon woodlands and grasslands.

behavior

Gregarious, forms groups of up to 10 individuals or more where food is abundant.

feeding ecology and diet

Feeds on native grasses and known to excavate roots of some species. Also known to feed on fruits of Leichhardt tree and native figs.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 12 months; gestation period 29 days; pouch life 219 days. Probably promiscuous.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

Important food source to Australian Aborigines and New Guinea natives. Agricultural pest to crops and pastures in some areas.

Eastern gray kangaroo

Macropus giganteus

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Macropus giganteus Shaw, 1790, Queensland, Australia. Two subspecies.

other common names

English: Great gray kangaroo, forester.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 38–91 in (958–2,302 mm); tail length 18–43 in (446–1,090 mm); weight 8–146 lb (3.5–66 kg). Males and females are uniformly gray-brown with paler underside. Distinguished from other species by hairy muzzle.

distribution

Eastern Australia, including majority of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

habitat

Common throughout distribution in a range of habitats, including grassy woodlands, forest, and open grasslands.

behavior

Gregarious and known to occur in large mobs.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed on grasses and forbs in the early morning and late afternoon.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 18 months; gestation period 36 days; pouch life 320 days. Probably promiscuous.

conservation status

Not threatened. Mainland subspecies is highly abundant across distribution.

significance to humans

Subject to commercial harvesting for meal and skins. Presumably was an important food species for Aborigines.

Parma wallaby

Macropus parma

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Macropus parma Waterhouse, 1845, New South Wales, Australia.

other common names

English: White-throated wallaby.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 18–21 in (447–528 mm); tail length 16–21 in (405–544 mm): weight 7–13 lb (3.2–5.9 kg). Grayish brown back and shoulders with characteristic white throat and chest. White stripe on upper cheek and dark dorsal stripe ending mid-back.

distribution

Eastern Australia on Great Dividing Range between the Gibraltar Range and the Watagan Mountains. Introduced to Kawau Island (New Zealand).

habitat

Wet and dry sclerophyll forests and occasionally rainforest.

behavior

Solitary and nocturnal.

feeding ecology and diet

Feed on grasses and herbs.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 16 months; gestation period 34 days; pouch life 212 days. May be promiscuous or polygynous.

conservation status

Lower Risk/Near Threatened. Considered at one time to have been driven to extinction, but rediscovered in 1967 and subsequently detected at a number of sites across range.

significance to humans

Considered a pest to forestry operations on Kawau Island.

Red kangaroo

Macropus rufus

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Macropus rufus (Desmarest, 1822), Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia.

other common names

English: Plains kangaroo, blue flier.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 29–55 in (745–1,400 mm); tail length 25–39 in (645–1,000 mm); weight 37–187 lb (17–85 kg). Red-brown to blue-gray above and distinctly white underneath.

distribution

Near continental distribution across arid and semi-arid Australia. Absent from coastal and subcoastal regions of eastern, southern, and northern Australia.

habitat

Semi-arid plains, shrublands, grasslands, woodlands, and open forest area.

behavior

Crepuscular. Gregarious in small groups, but will form larger groups in response to resource availability.

feeding ecology and diet

Grazer, feeding almost exclusively on grasses.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 14–20 months; gestation period 33 days; pouch life 235 days. Estrous cycles in females and sperm production is males show responses to environmental conditions. May be promiscuous or polygynous.

conservation status

Not threatened; they have expanded their distribution and population numbers in some areas in response to development of pastures and establishment of artificial water points.

significance to humans

As one of the largest land mammals in Australia, it is an important cultural symbol for both European and Aborigine Australians. The animal features extensively in Aborigine dreamtime stories. The species is commercially harvested for meat and skins in four states of Australia.

Swamp wallaby

Wallabia bicolor

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Wallabia bicolor (Desmarest, 1804), locality unknown.

other common names

English: Black wallaby, stinker.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 26–33 in (665–847 mm); tail length 25–34 in (640–862 mm); weight 23–45 lb (10.3–20.3 kg). Dark chocolate brown to black above, grading to a strong red-orange color below.

distribution

Eastern Australia from Cape York to southeast South Australia, extending inland up to 250 mi (400 km) from the coast.

habitat

Occupies areas of forest, woodland, and health with a dense understory.

behavior

More diurnal than most macropods. Solitary.

feeding ecology and diet

Specialized browser, feeding on foliage of shrubs, ferns, sedges, and some grasses.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 15 months; gestation period 35 days; pouch life 256 days. Probably promiscuous.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

Unattractive to commercial shooters due to small size and coarse fur. Considered a pest to forestry operations in some areas.

Quokka

Setonix brachyurus

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Setonix brachyurus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1830), King George Sound (Albany), Western Australia, Australia.

other common names

English: Short-tailed wallaby.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 16–21 in (400–540 mm); tail length 10–12 in (245–310 mm); weight 6–9 lb (2.7–4.2 kg). Generally grizzled gray-brown with reddish tinge. Fur long and thick, which gives coat a shaggy appearance.

distribution

Southwestern Western Australia, including Rottnest Island.

habitat

Densely vegetated areas of moist forest, heath, and swampy flats.

behavior

Nocturnal. Males known to aggressively defend resting sites. Populations living in areas distant from free water may form groups of 25–150 individuals.

feeding ecology and diet

Browses and grazes, feeding on grasses, sedges, succulents, and foliage of shrubs.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at eight to nine months; gestation period 27 days; pouch life 190 days. Mainland populations breed year-round, but Rottnest Island population has only a brief breeding season. Probably promiscuous.

conservation status

Vulnerable. Declined significantly on mainland during the twentieth century, but has recently recovered in the moister parts of southwest.

significance to humans

There is major tourist interest in the Rottnest Island quokka population.

Narbalek

Petrogale concinna

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Petrogale concinna Gould, 1842, Wyndham, Western Australia, Australia. Two subspecies.

other common names

English: Little rock wallaby.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 11–14 in (290–350 mm); tail length 9–12 in (220–310 mm); weight 2–3 lb (1–1.5 kg). Back and shoulders colored a dull reddish brown, marbled with light gray and black. Tail has a definite black brush tip.

distribution

Northern Australia in Mary and Victoria Rivers district, eastern Arnhem Land, and northwest Kimberley.

habitat

Low rocky hills, cliffs, and gorges in savanna grasslands.

behavior

Partly diurnal.

feeding ecology and diet

Feeds on grasses, sedges, and ferns.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 12–24 months; gestation period 30–32 days; pouch life 180 days. Breeding probably occurs throughout the year. May be promiscuous.

conservation status

Lower Risk/Near Threatened.

significance to humans

None known.

Brush-tailed rock wallaby

Petrogale penicillata

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Petrogale penicillata (Gray, 1827), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

other common names

English: Western rock wallaby.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 20–23 in (510–586 mm); tail length 20–28 in (500–700 mm); weight 11–24 lb (4.9–10.9 kg). Black-ish brown above, grading to a reddish chocolate brown on hindquarters; much paler on chest and underside. Black dorsal head stripe and white to buff cheek stripe. Prominent and distinctive dark brushy end.

distribution

Eastern Australia on Great Dividing Range from Grampians in Victoria to Nanago region in Queensland. Successfully introduced onto Oahu Island (Hawaii) and Kawau, Rangitoto, and Motutapu Islands (New Zealand), where in all cases it continues to persist.

habitat

Suitable rocky areas in a range of habitats, including rainforest, wet and dry sclerophyll forests, and open woodland.

behavior

Gregarious, and shelter by day in caves and deep fissures. Mostly nocturnal, but known to bask in sun on rocky platforms in winter.

feeding ecology and diet

The preferred food is grass but, depending on available habitat and seasonal conditions, significant portions of herbs, browse, and selected fruits are also eaten.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 18 months; gestation period 31 days; pouch life 204 days. In the north of its range, there is a narrow hybrid zone in which there is interbreeding between Petrogale penicillata and the neighboring species, Petrogale herbertii. Probably promiscuous.

conservation status

Vulnerable. The species has declined significantly in Victoria and southern New South Wales, and is considered regionally endangered in both areas. It remains reasonably common in northern New South Wales and Queensland.

significance to humans

Many thousands shot annually for skin trade between 1884 and 1914. In 1908, a single dealer traded a total of 92,590 skins in Sydney. No information available on their significance to Aborigines.

Yellow-footed rock wallaby

Petrogale xanthopus

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Petrogale xanthopus Gray, 1855, Flinders Range, South Australia, Australia. Two subspecies.

other common names

English: Ring-tailed rock wallaby.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 19–26 in (480–650 mm); tail length 22–28 in (565–700 mm); weight 13–26 lb (6–12 kg). One of the most strikingly colored and patterned members of the family. Generally a fawn-gray coloration above and white below; ears, forearms, and hind legs distinctly orange' white cheek stripe and white hip stripe. Tail is orange with distinct regular dark bands. Petrogale xanthopus celeris generally paler in general color, and tail markings less distinct than Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus.

distribution

Both subspecies occupy spatially distinct distributions: Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus occurs in western New South Wales and central-eastern ranges of South Australia; Petrogale xanthopus celeris occurs in the ranges of southwestern Queensland.

habitat

Semi-arid rangelands, principally in rocky habitats supporting Acacia shrublands.

behavior

Gregarious in isolated colonies. Due to extreme temperatures in parts of distribution, they are strictly nocturnal in hotter months. Known to bask in sun on rock platforms during winter.

feeding ecology and diet

Grass, forbs, and browse.

reproductive biology

Gestation period 31–32 days; pouch life 194 days. Polygynous.

conservation status

Lower Risk/Near Threatened.

significance to humans

No specific details known, but presumed to have been significant to inland Aborigines both as a food source and as a component of their dreamtime mythology.

Red-legged pademelon

Thylogale stigmatica

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Thylogale stigmatica (Gould, 1860), Point Cooper, Queensland, Australia. Four subspecies.

other common names

English: Pademelon, northern red-legged pademelon.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 15–21 in (386–536 mm); tail length 12–19 in (301–473 mm); weight 6–15 lb (2.5–6.8 kg). Grizzled gray-brown, with cheeks, shoulders, forearms, and inside of hind legs reddish brown. Underside cream to pale-gray. Some variation in color between subspecies with rainforest forms generally darker.

distribution

Distributed from northeastern New South Wales to far north Queensland and in southern New Guinea.

habitat

Rainforest is preferred habitat, but also recorded in wet sclerophyll forests and deciduous vine-thickets.

behavior

Generally a solitary species, but may form feeding aggregations in areas where food resources are abundant. They are diurnally active within dense rainforest cover. Nocturnal activity concentrated on feeding areas that may be in more open habitat.

feeding ecology and diet

Browsers, feeding on leaves and fruits of a range of rainforest plants. Known also to graze on grasses and commercial crops at forest edges. There is considerable latitudinal variation in the diet, most likely associated with habitat differences due to climate.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at 12 months; gestation period 28–30 days; pouch life 180 days. May be promiscuous or polygynous.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

None known.

Bridled nail-tailed wallaby

Onychogalea fraenata

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Onychogalea fraenata (Gould, 1841), New South Wales, Australia.

other common names

English: Flashjack, merrin; French: Onychogale bridé; Spanish: Canguro rabipelado oriental.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 18–28 in (450–700 mm); tail length 15–21 in (380–540 mm); weight 9–18 lb (4–8 kg). General body coloration is grizzled ashy gray above and pale gray below. Characteristic white bridled stripe occurs from center of neck to behind the forearms on both sides. There is a horny spur on the end of the tail.

distribution

Formerly widespread through central Queensland, central-western New South Wales, and western Victoria. Range extended from Charters Towers in the north to Lake Hindmarsh in the south. Following a dramatic decline, it is now known only from a single extant population near Dingo in central Queensland, from an reintroduced population on Idalia National Park and Avocet Nature refuge, and from sanctuary populations at Scotia Sanctuary, Genaren Hill Sanctuary, and Western Plains Zoo.

habitat

Acacia-dominated woodlands and shrublands.

behavior

Nocturnally active, resting during the day under dense shelter. Typically solitary animals, but feeding aggregations of up to six to eight animals are not uncommon.

feeding ecology and diet

Generally feed on mixed forbs, grasses, and browse on the edge of dense vegetation used for shelter. Chenopod forbs (plant family Chenopodiaceae) are particularly favored as well as soft-leaved grasses and some malvaceous species.

reproductive biology

Breeding occurs throughout the year. Females reach sexual maturity at nine months; gestation period 23–26 days; pouch life 119–126 days. Promiscuous species.

conservation status

Endangered. Subject to major recovery program involving captive breeding and reintroduction to parts of former range. Reintroductions to Idalia National Park and Avocet Nature Refuge have significantly improved the species' conservation status.

significance to humans

Mentioned in the diaries of numerous early explorers in western New South Wales as one of the most abundant kangaroo species they encountered. No specific details of its use by humans, but presumed to have been significant food source and also utilized for its distinctive skin. Recent conservation actions to recovery for this endangered species have served to raise its public profile.

Rufous hare-wallaby

Lagorchestes hirsutus

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Lagorchestes hirsutus Gould, 1844, York district, Western Australia, Australia.

other common names

English: Mala, ormala, western hare-wallaby, wurrup; French: Wallaby-lièvre de l'ouest, wallaby-lièvre roux; Spanish: Canguro-liebre peludo.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 12–15 in (310–390 mm); tail length 10–12 in (245–305 mm); weight 2–4 lb (0.9–1.8 kg). Uniform sandy-red color; fur on back and hindquarters is long, giving the animal a shaggy appearance.

distribution

Previously extant across central and western desert areas of Australia. Now confined to Bernier and Dorre Islands and experimental reintroductions to large enclosures in Northern Territory and Western Australia, and to Trimouille Island off the Western Australian coast.

habitat

Spinifex grasslands.

behavior

Solitary and nocturnal.

feeding ecology and diet

Feeds selectively on grasses, herbs, succulent shrubs, and seeds.

reproductive biology

Females reach sexual maturity at five months; pouch life 124 days. Capable of producing three offspring per year under good conditions. Probably promiscuous.

conservation status

Critically Endangered. A recovery plan is currently being implemented for the species and includes significant emphasis of captive breeding and reintroduction.

significance to humans

Features prominently in Aborigine dreamtime stories associated with Ayers Rock (Uluru). Also hunted by Aborigines using fire.

Bennett's tree kangaroo

Dendrolagus bennettianus

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Dendrolagus bennettianus De Vis, 1887, Daintree River, Queens-land, Australia.

other common names

English: Gray tree kangaroo, dusty tree kangaroo, tcharibbeena; French: Dendrolague de Bennett; Spanish: Canguro arborícola de Bennett.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 27–30 in (690–750 mm); tail length 29–33 in (730–840 mm); weight 18–30 lb (8–14 kg). Color is dark brown, forehead and snout with grayish tinge; rusty brown coloration on shoulders, neck, and back of head.

distribution

Eastern Cape York from the Daintree River to Mt. Amos, and extending west to the Mount Windsor Tablelands.

habitat

Tropical rainforests, vine, and gallery forests.

behavior

One of the few macropods to defend a discrete territory. Adult males principally solitary, but have home range that overlaps with numerous females.

feeding ecology and diet

Feeds mainly on leaves, but takes some fruit when available.

reproductive biology

Females breed annually and exhibit embryonic dipause. Pouch life is approximately 270 days. The young may accompany the mother for up to two years. Probably polygynous.

conservation status

Lower Risk/Near Threatened.

significance to humans

Heavily hunted by Aborigines in lowland forests; highland areas were not often visited by natives due to taboos.

Matschie's tree kangaroo

Dendrolagus matschiei

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Dendrolagus matschiei Forster and Rothschild, 1907, Rawlinson Mountains, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.

other common names

English: Huon tree kangaroo.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 16–25 in (412–625 mm); tail length 16–27 in (408–685 mm). Generally wood-brown in color with gold on the tail and limbs. Further distinguished by shorter tail and lack of golden back stripes.

distribution

In Papua New Guinea, confined to the Huon Peninsula and Umboi Island.

habitat

Dense mountain forests between 3,300–10,800 ft (1,000–3,290 m).

behavior

Several studies of captive animals have been completed detailing courtship and mating behavior. Considered to be solitary and crepuscular in wild.

feeding ecology and diet

Nothing known.

reproductive biology

Breeding can occur at any time of the year in captivity. Gestation period 44 days; pouch life 280 days. Probably promiscuous.

conservation status

Endangered.

significance to humans

Hunted by New Guinea natives with the aid of dogs, which chase the tree kangaroos out of the canopy.

Gray dorcopsis

Dorcopsis luctuosa

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Dorcopsis luctuosa (D'Albertis, 1874), southeast of New Guinea.

other common names

None known.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 21–38 in (525–970 mm); tail length 12–15 in (310–388 mm); weight 8–25 lb (3.6–11.5 kg). Generally black/gray coat with a prominent yellow patch around the pouch and cloaca.

distribution

Southern New Guinea from the Mreauke area to Milne Bay. Thought to be locally abundant in the Moresby region.

habitat

Lowland rainforest.

behavior

Crepuscular. Observations of captive populations suggest they are a social species, living in loosely knit groups that can contain several adult males and females.

feeding ecology and diet

Known to feed on a wide range of vegetable matter.

reproductive biology

Nothing is known. May be promiscuous.

conservation status

Not threatened.

significance to humans

No specific details known, but presumed to have been significant food source for New Guinea natives.

Papuan forest wallaby

Dorcopsulus macleayi

subfamily

Macropodinae

taxonomy

Dorcopsulus macleayi (Mikluho-Maclay, 1885), Papua New Guinea.

other common names

English: Macleay's dorcopsis.

physical characteristics

Head and body length 17–18 in (435–460 mm); tail length 12–14 in (315–346 mm); weight 6–7 lb (2.5–3.4 kg). Smaller and more densely furred than species of Dorcopsis. Tail furred for two-thirds to three-quarters of its length.

distribution

Eastern New Guinea, south of Central Cordillera and east of Mount Karimui.

habitat

Mid-montane rainforests between 3,300–5,900 ft (1,798 m).

behavior

Nothing is known.

feeding ecology and diet

Reported to favor the fruit and leaves of Ficus spp., Pangium edule, and Syzgium sp., as well as other trees.

reproductive biology

Nothing is known.

conservation status

Listed as Vulnerable because of the small area it occupies.

significance to humans

Presumed to have been a significant food source for New Guinea natives.

Resources

Books

Dawson, T. J. Kangaroos: The Biology of the Largest Marsupials. Kensington, Australia: University of New South Wales Press/Ithaca, 2002.

Flannery, T. F. Mammals of New Guinea. 2nd ed. Chatswood, Australia: Reed Books, 1995.

Grigg, G. C., P. J. Jarman, and I. D. Hume. Kangaroos, Wallabies and Rat-kangaroos. Chipping Norton, Australia: Surrey Beatty and Sons, 1989.

Maxwell, S., A. A. Burbidge, and K. D. Morris. The 1996 Action Plan for Australian Marsupials and Monotremes. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN/SCC Australasian Marsupial and Monotreme Specialist Group, Wildlife Australia, 1996.

Menkhorst, P. W. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press, 2001.

Ramono, W. S., and S. V. Nash. "Conservation of Marsupials and Monotremes in Indonesia." In Australasian Marsupials and Monotremes, An Action Plan for Their Conservation, edited by Michael Kennedy. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN/SSC Australasian Marsupials and Monotreme Specialist Group, 1992.

Strahan, R. The Mammals of Australia. 2nd ed. Sydney: Reed New Holland, 2002.

Periodicals

Burbidge, A. A., K. A. Johnson, P. F. Fuller, and R. I. Southgate. "Aboriginal Knowledge of the Mammals of the Central Deserts of Australia." Australian Wildlife Research, 15 (1988): 9–39.

Organizations

Environment Australia. John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Australian Capital Territory 2600 Australia. Phone: (2) 6274 1111. Fax: 61 2 6274 1666. E-mail: [email protected] Web site: <http://www.ea.gov.au>

Other

Kangaroos—Faces in the Mob, Videotape. Green Cape Pty. Ltd., Sydney, New South Wales, 1993.

Geoff Lundie-Jenkins, PhD