Whiptail wallaby

Hübschgesichtwallaby ( Macropus parryi )

The Hübschgesichtwallaby ( Macropus parryi ) is a Känguruart from the sub-genre of wallabies ( Notamacropus ). It is characterized by its facial markings and long tail and lives in eastern Australia.

Description

The fur of the Hübschgesichtwallabys is gray brown on the top, the underside is whitish. The top of the head and the tail are usually darker in color. The most striking features are the white cheek-stripe extending from the snout to below the eyes. The tail is longer than the other wallabies and extremely thin. As with most kangaroos, the hind legs are much longer and stronger than the front legs and the skull elongated. These animals reach an average body length of 90 centimeters, a tail length of 94 centimeters and an average weight of 16 kilograms.

Distribution and habitat

Hübschgesichtwallabys are located in the eastern Australian coast region, their range extends from the southern part of Cape York Peninsula (Queensland ) through to the north-eastern New South Wales. Their habitat is open grassy woodlands, where they prefer hilly terrain.

Way of life

These kangaroos are diurnal, but usually go in the morning or in the evening in search of food. During the day, they often hide in the shadows. They live together in groups, which may include up to 50 animals and develop a social structure. The males fight each other for the lead role in the group and to the mating preference in the females.

Like all kangaroos are Hübschgesichtwallabys herbivores that feed on grasses and herbs.

After about 34 - to 38 -day gestation, the female gives birth to usually a single young is born. This spending his first eight months of life solely in its mother's pouch, a few weeks later it is weaned. Sexual maturity occurs at around 18 to 24 months, with females slightly earlier than in males.

Threat

The Hübschgesichtwallaby among the less endangered kangaroo species, it has never been hunted commercially and is relatively common in its area of ​​distribution.