TASMANIAN PADEMELON

The Tasmanian Pademelon is a small marsupial native to Tasmania, an island state of Australia.

It is a compact marsupial with a stocky build, short tail, and relatively short limbs. It has a dark brown to greyish-brown fur, with a paler underside. The average adult size is around 60-70 cm in length and weighs between 4-12 kilograms.

The Tasmanian Pademelon is endemic to Tasmania and can be found throughout the island, including both coastal and inland areas. It inhabits a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, scrublands, and grassy areas.

Pademelons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They are shy and generally solitary animals, although they may occasionally form small groups. They have well-developed senses of hearing and smell, which helps them detect predators and find food. Pademelons are herbivorous and feed on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, herbs, and shrubs.

Female pademelons have a well-developed pouch in which they carry their young. After a gestation period of around 30 days, a single tiny, undeveloped joey is born, which then climbs into the pouch to continue its development. The joey stays in the pouch for approximately six months before venturing out.

Like many Australian marsupials, they face threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, being hit by motor vehicles, and introduced predators such as foxes, dogs and cats.

Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, manages numerous national parks and reserves where the pademelons can find refuge.