The Bennetts wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), known as the red-neckedwallaby on mainland Australia, is one of the states's most commonly seen native animals. Visitors to most of our national parks are highly likely to encounter these animals during their stay.
Often referred to as a kangaroo in Tasmania, males can weigh more than 20 kg and stand up to 1.5 m tall. They can be distinguished from the pademelon and kangaroo by their black nose and paws, and white stripe on the upper lip.
Bennetts wallabies are found throughout the state, including the Bass Strait islands. They are abundant in Tasmania - their numbers and distribution having expanded over the past 30 years. This is due to a reduction in hunting pressure and the clearing of forest to result in a mosaic of pastures where wallabies can feed at night, alongside bushland where they can shelter by day.
The species is largely solitary, although loose groups, known as mobs, often share common feeding areas. They feed at afternoon and dusk, generally grazing on grass and herbs. Wallabies damage crops and pastures in many parts of Tasmania and as a result can come into conflict with landowners.
There is a distinct breeding season, with births occurring late summer to early autumn.This is in contrast to mainland populations of the same species, where births occur year round. The gestation period is 30 days. Pouch life is about 280 days and weaning occurs at 12-17 months.
All information supplied by
Wildlife Management Branch Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
