The Wallaby: Discover These Marsupials
The wallaby is a mammal that is part of the genus Macropus and the family Macropididae . Although it belongs to the kangaroo family, the wallaby is too small to be considered one of them.
There are approximately 30 species that are classified under this name. Next, we will see some characteristics to discover these marsupials.
Physical characteristics
The wallaby is a small animal. It measures between 70 and 90 centimeters without counting the tail, which is around 70 centimeters ; its weight ranges between 25 and 35 kilograms. Males are larger than females. The size and weight of this marsupial varies depending on its geographic location.
Their fur is usually black, gray, brown, or white. The front of its body is generally white; the ears, eyes and legs are darker and its head is elongated. Like all marsupials, the female has a bag in which she carries her young.
The hind legs of this animal are very large and have four toes. Thanks to those huge legs they can jump great distances and give strong kicks in case of a fight. Their front legs are much shorter and they have five toes, with powerful claws.
The wallaby has a surprisingly long tail, which helps it balance and counterbalance when it moves. It has a very particular stomach, since it contains compartments where fermentation takes place.
Wallaby way of life
The wallaby is a shy and very curious animal; he is usually calm, but very suspicious. It is generally not aggressive, but if under threat it can kick its hind legs hard.
Its natural habitat is the savannahs, mountain or rocky areas and the jungle. It is found mainly in Australia, and to a lesser extent in Tasmania and New Guinea. The wallaby usually sleeps more during the day, especially in the hottest hours, and goes out to feed at night.
Most species of wallaby are very social and live in groups. In the dry season they gather around a water source. In case of danger they usually seek refuge and hide ; if they have to defend themselves, they will fight tirelessly.
It is a very expressive animal in its emotions. It can show a lot of pain in certain situations, such as if it loses its young. When they feel threatened, they usually warn their companions through rumbling noises they make with their hind legs or with their tail.
Feeding
The wallaby is primarily herbivorous. Their diet is made up of fruits, leaves, herbs, roots, vegetables, and even small shrubs. The natural environment in which they live does not usually have much water, so they are forced to travel great distances to obtain it. They also get it from food.
In some regions, these animals feed in urban areas. They have become a veritable plague, as they insistently destroy crops.
Reproduction
Mating occurs from one year of age, and occurs between December and February. The gestation period lasts 30 days and usually only one calf is born.
At birth, the little wallabies are too helpless and immediately seek their mother’s pouch for protection. They will stay there for a maximum period of seven months; They will come out at times and will come back in when they feel scared or threatened.
The mother and the calf develop a very strong bond. She even allows her older children to stay by her side, even if they have newborn babies. His body is so extraordinary that it is capable of producing two types of milk, one for the newborn and one for the older children.
Differences between wallaby and kangaroo
Although many people confuse them or think that the wallaby is nothing more than a very small kangaroo, they are two animals with different characteristics.
The kangaroo’s legs are longer and the teeth are different. The fur color of the wallaby is more vivid and has different shades, while the kangaroo is more uniform.
Finally, kangaroos live much longer (20-25 years versus 11-15 for the wallaby). In the visual aspect, it is easy to differentiate them; wallabies are smaller in size than kangaroos.
