Proserpine rock-wallaby

The Proserpine rock wallaby ( Petrogale persephone ) is a pouch species from the family of kangaroos ( Macropodidae ).

Features

The Proserpine rock wallaby is one of the major representatives of the rock kangaroos, males weigh about 6.9 kg and females 5.1 kg. Their fur is dark gray on the back, the underside is light gray. In some animals, the upper arms are reddish - brown, while the paws are black. The tail often ends in a white tip. As with most kangaroos, the hind legs are much longer and stronger than the front legs.

Dissemination and lifestyle

These kangaroos live in Australia and have the smallest distribution area of all rock kangaroos. They live only near the cities Proserpine and Airlie Beach on the coast of Queensland. Their habitat are lined rock regions with dry forests.

They are nocturnal and sleep during the day in caves and crevices. At night, they go looking for food, while they often seek grass areas lined the edge of the woods on. They feed primarily on grasses, such Rispenhirsen ( Panicum maximum ).

After an approximately 33 - day gestation, the female gives birth to a single young is born. This spending his first seven months in the mother's pouch and is weaned after a further four months.

Endangering

Proserpine rock kangaroos are the most endangered rock kangaroos. Main threats are habitat destruction, the enactment by introduced dogs and road transport. Its distribution area covers less than 5000 km ² and is highly fragmented, the IUCN lists the species as " critically endangered " ( endangered ).