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| SKC Films Library >> Science >> Zoology >> Mammals >> Order Diprotodontia |
| Red-Necked Wallaby (aka Bennett's wallaby) Macropus rufogriseus Description This wallaby is named for the reddish fur on its nape and shoulders; the rest of the body is fawny gray with a white chest and belly. The muzzle, paws, and toes are black in color. The ears of red-necked wallabies are longer in proportion to other macropods. The red-necked wallaby is 3-3.5 feet tall, with a tail that is 2-2.5 feet long, and weighs 30-40 pounds. Males are significantly larger than females.
Distribution and Habitat Macro rufogriseus rufogriseus is found throughout Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands, and M. r. banksianus inhabits the eastern and southeastern Australian mainland. Both subspecies inhabit eucalyptus forests with moderate shrub cover and open areas nearby, as well as tall coastal heath habitats. Diet Red-necked wallabies are grazers, feeding primarily on grasses and herbs. Reproduction Female red-necked wallabies can breed at approximately 14 months of age, while males reach sexual maturity at 19 months. The gestation period is 30 days. Pouch life is about 280 days, although young may be suckled until 12-17 months old. On the mainland, females give birth in all months, with the greatest number of offspring born in the summer. In Tasmania however, births only occur between late January and July with the majority of young born in February and March. Red-necked wallabies have an average lifespan of 18 years in the wild. Other Behaviors and Habits Red-necked wallabies usually spend their daylight hours resting in cover, but are often seen foraging until late in the morning and beginning evening foraging late in the afternoon. They are essentially solitary, but may forage in groups (called "mobs") of up to 30 individuals. Scientific Classification Phylum Chordata SOURCE |
| SKC Films Library >> Science >> Zoology >> Mammals >> Order Diprotodontia This page was last updated on October 30, 2017. |
