There are many introduced species of Wallaby’s.  The Short-Eared Rock Wallaby is one of the species that have survived.  Their color hides them from prey and their eating habits keep them alive during droughts.  They are on the small side but big enough to move through the terrain they live in.

 

Short-Eared Rock Wallaby have adapted to their surroundings in Northern Australia, Arnhem Land, and islands in the Gulf of Carpentaria.  They live in the rocky hill, gorges, and savanna grasslands in these areas.  They feed off the grasslands that they share with cattle. In droughts they can go several days without water by eating succulent bark and roots found in their habitat. 

 

To stay safe, the Short-Eared Rock Wallaby go out at night and stay close to their homes to eat and hide from predators. The predators usually were carnivores that ate them. This is not the only thing that the Short-Eared Rock Wallaby have to worry about.  Disease, habitat destruction, and fire regimes also have contributed to deaths. 

 

The Short-Eared Rock Wallaby grows to about 32.5 – 42 inches long.  They are uniform in color and have whitish areas on them.  The western population color consists of light grey, almost white.  The eastern population color consists of dark grey, brown. All have ears about half the length of their head.  Their hair is extremely long and thick tail.  They have well-padded hind feet and soles to handle the rough terrain they live on. 

 

 

Although the amount of population is unknown, there seems to be no decline in the population.  There are many areas that are affected by introduced species but Northern Australia, having numerous islands, not affected by introduced species.

At one time these mammals were hunted for their fur and thought to be pests but people no longer feel that way.

 

The Short-Eared Rock Wallaby shows defiance to extension.  They continue to adapt to their surrounds in forms of weather, predators, habitat, color and size.  I think the Short-Eared Rock Wallaby will be around for several years to come.

 

Author: Christopher M

Published: 04/2011

 

1.   a b Groves, C. (2005). Wilson, D. E., & Reeder, D. M, eds. ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 67. OCLC 62265494. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3. 

2.   ^ Woinarski, J., Telfer, W. & Burbidge, A. (2008). Petrogale brachyotis. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 28 December 2008. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

3.   ^ a b Menkhorst, Peter (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press. p. 126