There are 16 species of rock-wallabies in Australia. Sadly they are threatened with extinction and only survives today in small isolated populations within their former ranges.
Changes to fire patterns, loss of habitat, introduced species such as foxes, dogs, cats and goats has resulted in a decrease in rock-wallaby distribution. These threats are likely to be deepened with the expected changes, due to the effects of climate change, throughout their range.
Rock-wallabies differ from other macropods by their unique and very well-adapted bodies, long tail, and feet. They have strong claws and specialized pads on their feet, allowing them to navigate and cling to rocky surfaces with ease.
Rock-wallabies are primarily nocturnal and spends their days sheltered in rocky crevices, caves, or ledges. They emerge during the late afternoon or evening to forage for food.
Their diet mainly consists of grasses, leaves, herbs, and other vegetation found within their habitat. They are selective foragers and may browse on a variety of plant species.
Why are there so many species of rock-wallabies (Petrogale) in Australia?
Proserpine rock-wallaby – (Petrogale persephone)
While the Proserpine Rock Wallaby is large compared to similar species, its overall size is still small, with the larger males growing to only 60 centimetres in length and weighing up to 9 kg.
The Proserpine rock-wallaby is restricted to a small area in Conway National Park, Dryander National Park, Gloucester Island National Park, and around the town of Airlie Beach, all in Whitsunday Shire in Queensland, Australia.
Mareeba rock-wallaby (Petrogale mareeba)
The Mareeba Rock-wallaby is a small to medium-sized wallaby. It has a head-and-body length of approximately 40 to 55 cm and a tail length of about 50 to 70 cm. It weighs around 4 to 8 kg. Its fur coloration is predominantly grey, with a lighter underbelly and a reddish-brown face.
The Mareeba rock-wallaby is a rare species of rock-wallaby found around Mareeba in north-eastern Queensland, Australia.
Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus)
The Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby is a medium-sized wallaby with a distinctive appearance. It has a head-and-body length of approximately 50 to 70 cm and a tail length of about 60 to 80 cm. It weighs between 8 and 12 kg. Its fur coloration is mainly grey, with a pale yellow underside and distinctive yellow feet. It also has a white cheek stripe and a dark stripe extending from the base of its tail to its mid-back.
They inhabit rocky outcrops in semi-arid country, ranging from sandstones, limestones and conglomerates in the Flinders Ranges, to granites in the Gawler Ranges and Olary Hills (Copley & Alexander 1997).
Allied rock-wallaby (Petrogale assimilis)
The Allied Rock-wallaby is a medium-sized wallaby with a compact build. It has a head-and-body length of approximately 50 to 70 cm and a tail length of about 50 to 70 cm. The average weight of adult individuals ranges from 4 to 9 kg. Its fur coloration varies depending on the subspecies, but it generally features a combination of greys, browns, and reddish hues.
The Allied Rock-wallaby is found in various parts of Australia, including north-eastern New South Wales, eastern Queensland, and parts of north-eastern South Australia. It primarily inhabits rocky areas, including cliffs, gorges, and boulder fields, and can also be found in nearby woodland and grassland habitats.
Purple-necked rock-wallaby (Petrogale purpureicollis)
The Purple-necked Rock-wallaby is a medium-sized wallaby with a distinctive appearance. It has a compact body with a head-and-body length of around 50 to 70cm, and a tail length of about 50 to 60 cm. Weight is between 4 and 9 kg.
The name “Purple-necked” refers to the reddish-purple coloration on the back of its neck and shoulders.
This species is found in a limited range in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It primarily inhabits rocky areas, gorges, and cliffs within rugged landscapes. They are highly adapted to their rocky environment, using their powerful hind legs for leaping and climbing steep terrain.
Nabarleks (Petrogale concinna)
Nabarlek, or the Pygmy Rock-Wallaby is one of the smallest species of kangaroos, with males weighing around 800 grams and females about 600 grams. They have a head-and-body length of approximately 30 to 35 cm.
They have a slender body and long legs, which are well-adapted for climbing rocks and leaping.
Nabarleks are found in the rocky escarpments, gorges, and outcrops of the Kimberley region in Western Australia, the Top End of the Northern Territory, and some areas of Queensland. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and rocky habitats, using crevices and caves for shelter during the day.
Brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata)
The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is a medium-sized wallaby with a compact build. It has a head-and-body length of approximately 45 to 65 cm and a tail length of about 50 to 70 cm. It weighs around 5 to 9 kg. Its fur coloration is predominantly grey, with a lighter underbelly. The name “Brush-tailed” refers to its long and bushy tail, which is usually darker in colour.
The Brush-tailed rock-wallaby occurs in fragmented populations roughly following the Great Dividing Range from southwest Queensland to western Victoria’s Grampians. They live on rocky escarpments, granite outcrops and cliffs, which have caves and ledges for shelter.
Black-flanked rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis)
The Black-flanked Rock-wallaby also known as the Black-footed Rock-wallaby, is a medium-sized wallaby with a compact body. It has a head-and-body length of approximately 45 to 60 cm and a tail length of about 50 to 70 cm. It weighs around 5 to 10 kg.
The name “Black-flanked” refers to the distinctive black stripe that runs along its side, contrasting with its grey or reddish-brown fur.
They are found in isolated populations across western and southern Western Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of South Australia
References:
Queensland Department of Environment and Science- https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/species-search/details/?id=891
Proserpine rock-wallaby Wikipedia article – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proserpine_rock-wallaby
Nature Australia https://www.natureaustralia.org.au
https://animalia.bio/mareeba-rock-wallaby:
Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby – AWC
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