About Wallabees
The wallaby, or Macropus, is a species of marsupial native to Australia and the islands near Australia. Wallabies are closely related to kangaroos. Male wallabies are referred to as "boomers," while females are known as "flyers." There are about 30 different species of wallaby. These species are usually named after the habitat they are found in, such as the rock wallaby, the shrub wallaby and the brush wallaby.
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Appearance
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Wallabies are generally much smaller than kangaroos. Because they are closely related to kangaroos, wallabies look much like kangaroos, though smaller. Depending on their specific species, wallabies can weigh anywhere from 4 pounds to about 53 pounds and measure 12 to 41 inches in length. Wallabies come in a variety of colors depending on their species. These colors include gray, red, white and tan. Wallabies have short front legs and large hind legs, which they use for hopping. Wallabies have powerful tails that are used to prop themselves up when sitting and to balance themselves while walking or hopping. One species of wallaby, called the "nail-tailed wallaby," has a sharp structure at the tip of its tail.
Reproduction
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Wallaby babies are referred to as "joeys." Like kangaroo babies, wallaby babies are born underdeveloped after being in the womb only about 30 days. They have no fur and cannot see. After the female wallaby gives birth, the tiny joey crawls into her pouch and remains there to nurse and become fully developed. This takes about two months. Like its kangaroo relatives, a baby wallaby is referred to as a "joey."
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Diet
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Wallabies are herbivores Wallabies are strictly plant-eaters. They eat a variety of grasses, seeds, fruits, leaves, roots, saplings and bushes native to Australia. They generally feed at night and sleep during the daytime.
Predation
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Dingoes are known to hunt wallabies. Most species of wallaby live in groups known as "mobs." These groups help protect individuals from predators. Known natural predators of wallabies include dingoes, foxes, crocodiles and large snakes. When threatened by a predator, the wallaby can defend itself with its strong, thick tail and powerful hind legs.
Endangered Species
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Some species of wallaby, such as the red-necked wallaby, are thriving in Australia. Others species are endangered and risk becoming extinct. These species include the Victorian brush-tailed rock wallaby and the brindled nail-tailed wallaby. Much of the decline in wallaby population is caused by human development and deforestation in the wallabies' natural habitat. The elimination of scrubland and forests to make room for agricultural lands have reduced the areas where wallabies live and feed. Some species of wallaby, such as the brindle nail-tailed wallaby, are also hunted for their pelts, which has added to the decline in population.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wallaby image by michael luckett from Fotolia.com wallaby image by christine dedman from Fotolia.com red necked wallaby image by Vera Kailova from Fotolia.com wallaby image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com african wild dog image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
