Macropus
rufogriseus
TOO GENTLE TO BE JUST ROADKILL
Known as
red-necked wallabies on the Australian mainland, these wallabies are common in
the eucalypt forests of south-eastern Australia, extending from southern
Queensland to the Bass Strait Islands and Tasmania. To keep them warm in the
cooler climate, Tasmanian wallabies have longer and denser fur. They are quite
large, with males reaching 20 kg, and can be distinguished from the pademelon
and Forester kangaroo by their black nose and paws, and a white stripe on their
upper lip.
REGURGITATING THE GRASS
These
wallabies have been observed regurgitating their food, then re-swallowing it
before any further chewing. It is thought that this might stimulate the
production of saliva and aid digestion.
They are solitary creatures, coming together to feed in open areas on
the edge of the forest, grazing mainly on grasses and herbs. They thrive near
pasture areas, provided there are patches of bushland on adjacent hilltops and
gullies, in which they can shelter. With the exception of mothers with young
afoot, they shelter alone, emerging in the late afternoon to graze.
DIFFERENT REPRODUCTION STRATEGIES
While
red-necked wallabies on the Australian mainland give birth all year round, in
Tasmania they have a well-defined
breeding season, young being born between late summer to early autumn. Can you think of any advantages this
might have? After mating, development of
the foetus can be delayed. Once happening the gestation period is 30 days.
Young remain in the pouch for about 9 months and are weaned at between 12 and
17 months. The rate of reproduction is high and virtually all females of
breeding age carry pouch young.
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