Red-legged pademelon

Thylogale stigmatica, drawing by John Gould

The Rotbeinfilander ( Thylogale stigmatica ) is a Känguruart from the kind of Filander ( Thylogale ).

Features

Rotbeinfilander are relatively small representative of the kangaroos. They reach a body length 39-54 centimeters, the tail is 30 to 47 inches long. The weight is 2.5 to 6.8 kg, with males are significantly larger and heavier than females. As with most kangaroos, the hind legs are much longer and stronger than the front legs. The fur of these animals is colored gray-brown on the back, the face, the sides and the back legs are reddish brown. Are conspicuous white yellow stripes at the hips.

Distribution and habitat

These kangaroos inhabit the southern New Guinea and the east coast of Australia from Cape York peninsula extending into the central New South Wales. Their habitat are predominantly woods, where they may occur in rain, Hartlaub and other types of forests. They are found from sea level up to 1200 meters above sea level.

Lifestyle and diet

Rotbeinfilander are primarily nocturnal. During the day they sleep concealed inside of forests in dense vegetation, at night they go in search of food, which they visit the forest edges. In case of threat they return immediately into the protective forest interior. They live mostly solitary, but sometimes join in the search for food in small groups.

Their diet consists mainly of fallen leaves and fruits to the ground, sometimes they also eat fresh leaves or grasses. Like all kangaroos they have a multi-chambered stomach for better utilization of indigestible plant food.

Reproduction

Reproduction takes place from October to June, after a 28 - to 30 - day gestation, the female gives birth to usually a single young is born. As with other kangaroos also it comes with them for the delayed birth. The newborns spend their first months of life in the mother's pouch and come to 4.5 to 6 months for the first time out. After a further 1.5 to 3 months they are finally weaned.

Endangering

Rotbeinfilander are relatively widespread and common. Area, the stocks have declined by habitat destruction and hunting ( in New Guinea), total is the kind IUCN but not endangered.