Bennett’s Wallaby
Notamacropus rufogriseus
Another name for Bennett's wallaby is red-necked wallaby, as indicated by the red fur across the shoulders and back of the neck.
What They Eat:
Bennett’s wallabies are strict plant-eaters, consuming mainly grasses, herbs, and shrubs. During dry periods, they will eat juicy plant roots.
What They Do:
Usually solitary, Bennett’s wallabies may form fluid groups to feed. Bennett’s wallabies are most active at dawn, dusk, and at night. Areas with cover are used for rest during the day, and open grassy areas are used for feeding.
How They’re Doing:
Numerous in its range, this species is doing fine in the wild. In fact, Bennett's wallabies are one of the most common animals on the island of Tasmania in southeastern Australia.
Where They Live:
Bennett's wallabies are found in the eastern and southeastern parts of mainland Australia and on the island of Tasmania. Their range is restricted to eucalyptus forests with moderate cover and open spaces nearby.
Where in the World: Australia
Habitat: Grassy eucalyptus forests
Animal Facts:
Length: over 4 feet tall
Weight: up to 60 pounds
Taxonomic Category: Mammal, herbivore
Conservation Status
- There are roughly 30 wallaby species. Many are informally grouped according to their habitat: brush wallabies, rock wallabies, and shrub wallabies. Bennett’s wallabies are considered brush wallabies.
- The main difference between wallabies and kangaroos is size. Kangaroos are larger
- Due to winters in southern parts of their range, Bennett’s wallabies on the island of Tasmania have a breeding season. Bennett’s wallabies that live in warmer, mainland Australia breed all year long.
- Bennett’s wallabies can dig through shallow snow to eat grasses below.
