Wallaby

Hübschgesichtwallaby ( Macropus parryi )

As wallabies several species of the kangaroo family ( Macropodidae ) are referred to. However, the term is not clearly wallaby. In a narrower sense (which is used here ) are only eight smaller species of the genus Macropus to which are summarized in the subgenus Notamacropus. In a broader sense (as in English ) all of the smaller species of kangaroos kangaroos like rabbits, nail kangaroos, bush kangaroos, rock kangaroos and Filander be included as well.

Description

Wallabies reach an average body length of 70 to 80 centimeters, a tail length of 60 to 70 centimeters and a weight of around 12 to 20 kg, the males are significantly heavier than the females. Two species, the Derby and the Parma Wallaby, but are significantly smaller and lighter. The fur is usually brown or gray, with some species stripes on the back or on the face or other patterns are available. As with most kangaroos, the hind legs are much longer and stronger than the front legs. The long, muscular tail is used in the wide leaps to maintain balance, while browsing it is used as a support.

Distribution and habitat

Wallabies inhabit the northern, eastern and southern coastal regions of Australia. One type, the Agile Wallaby, comes in addition also in New Guinea. Because of their small body size they inhabit rather bush with stock and forested area than the large species.

Way of life

The lifestyle of the Wallabies is variable. Generally, however, they are more crepuscular or nocturnal and rest during the day. In addition to solitary species, there are also those who live together in groups. Like all kangaroos they are herbivorous, feeding on buds, ferns, bark, grasses, herbs and leaves. If there is little rain, they chew juicy roots to quench your thirst.

Reproduction

The propagation corresponds to that of the other kangaroos. The gestation period is 33 to 38 days. The blind, deaf and naked boy weighs at birth, less than 1 gram and still has unfinished hind legs. It creeps without the help of the mother within minutes of the birth canal into the pouch and finds by means of its smell and sense of touch one of the four teats. Because it sucks onto for more than half a year. The delayed birth of kangaroos is observed with the Wallabies.

Wallabies and humans

One of the main threats to the wallabies include the destruction of their habitat by conversion to agricultural areas, the re-enactment by introduced predators such as the red fox and hunting by humans. In the past they were hunted for their meat and fur, today this practice is very limited and banned altogether in some species.

One type, the Eastern Irmawallaby is extinct, and two more, the Parma and the Derbywallaby, have only a very limited distribution area, the other five species are still relatively common.

The Australian national rugby union team is called "The Wallabies " and carries the animal as a coat of arms.

During the shearers' strikes in 1891, the famous Australian song Freedom on the Wallaby was texted.

The types

We distinguish eight types:

• The Agile Wallaby ( Macropus agilis ) is the largest Wallaby and lives in groups.
• The Rückenstreifenwallaby (M. dorsalis) is marked by a black spinal stripe.
• The Derbywallaby (M. eugenii ) is the smallest Wallabyart. They inhabited the southwestern and southern Australia.
• The Eastern Irmawallaby (M. greyi ), who lived in south-east Australia earlier is extinct.
• The Western Irmawallaby (M. irma ) inhabited the southwest of Australia.
• The Parma Wallaby (M. parma) was already thought to be extinct before it was discovered remnants in eastern Australia.
• The Hübschgesichtwallaby (M. parryi ) is indicated by the white facial stripes.
• The Rotnacken or Bennettwallaby (M. rufogriseus ) has a distinctive red shoulder area.

The Sumpfwallaby ( Wallabia bicolor ), however, is not among the wallabies in the strict sense, but is made ​​in a separate genus, Wallabia.