RUFOUS HARE-WALLABY

The Rufous hare-wallaby, or Mala, is a small marsupial that belongs to the macropod family.  The Mala is characterised by its soft, rufous (reddish-brown) fur, which provides excellent camouflage in its arid habitat. It has long ears, a small head, and large hind legs that allow it to hop swiftly across the ground, much like a hare. Adults typically weigh between 800 grams to 1.8 kilograms and measure about 30 to 40 centimetres in body length, with a tail length of around 25 to 35 centimetres.

Historically, the Mala was widespread across central and western Australia, inhabiting spinifex grasslands and shrublands. However, due to various threats, its range has dramatically reduced. Today, the wild populations are primarily found in protected areas such as the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia. The Mala has adapted to survive in some of Australia’s harshest environments. Its ability to conserve water and forage efficiently in arid conditions is a testament to its remarkable resilience. Conservation efforts have also led to the establishment of translocated populations in predator-free enclosures and islands.

The Rufous hare-wallaby is primarily a herbivore. Its diet consists of grasses, seeds, and leaves, with a particular preference for the spinifex grass. The Mala is nocturnal, meaning it forages at night when the temperatures are cooler, reducing water loss and avoiding the harsh daytime heat. During the day, it shelters in shallow burrows or under dense vegetation.

The breeding season of the Mala can occur year-round, but it is often influenced by environmental conditions, particularly rainfall. Females give birth to a single joey after a gestation period of about 30 days. The tiny joey then crawls into its mother’s pouch, where it continues to develop for several months. Once it leaves the pouch, the young Mala will stay close to its mother until it is fully weaned and independent.

In the wild, the Rufous hare-wallaby typically lives for about 4 to 6 years, though individuals in captivity can live slightly longer due to the absence of predators and the provision of consistent food and water supplies.

The Mala is listed as Endangered. The primary threats to its survival include habitat destruction, predation by introduced species such as foxes and feral cats, and competition with invasive herbivores like rabbits. Conservation efforts have focused on predator control, habitat restoration, and the establishment of secure populations in predator-free areas.

The Mala holds significant cultural value for various Aboriginal groups in central Australia. Traditional stories and ceremonies often feature the Mala, highlighting its importance in Aboriginal heritage and knowledge systems.

Indigenous ranger groups have been actively involved in Mala conservation programs, combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation techniques to protect and manage remaining populations.