The family Macropodidae

Macropodidae There is no real difference between the kangaroos and wallabies that form this family - other than size. Wallabies are generally smaller species, with none weighing over 25 kilograms. Wallaroos (or euros) prefer a habitat of steep, hilly country. On the other hand, the larger kangaroos prefer open flat plains, woodland or open forest.Members of this family are generally grass and leaf eaters, able to convert dry grass into energy-giving glucose. Their ability to thrive on such a poor diet explains their success at living in so many parts of Australia.

The Red Kangaroo The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus), is the largest living marsupial. Males can be as tall as two metres and

The Eastern and Western Grey Kangaroos The Eastern and Western Grey Kangaroos live where rainfall is greater than 250 millimetres a year, through eastern Australia and across the southern coast to south-west Western Australia. Populations vary considerably according to conditions, but the two species are very common, except in Tasmania where small numbers of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo are found.

Wallaroos There are three species of wallaroos. The common Wallaroo (Macropus robustus) is found throughout mainland Australia and has a preference for rocky hills and stony rises where caves and rock ledges provide shelter from extremes of temperature. The Black Wallaroo (Macropus bernardus) in contrast is restricted to a small area of central and western Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. The Antilopine Wallaroo, (Macropus antilopinus) is found in the tropical monsoonal forests of Northern Australia where it replaces the Red and Grey Kangaroos.

Tree-kangaroos Tree-kangaroos are adapted to living in trees. They have stronger front limbs than other kangaroos, shorter hind legs, and feet with a rough-textured sole to allow for a better grip. Despite these features, they are awkward in trees. Most species are found in the dense forests of New Guinea. The two Australian species - Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) and Bennett's Tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus bennettianus) - are found in small areas in the tropical rainforests of north Queensland. They feed on leaves and fruit.

Hare-Wallabies Hare-wallabies look a bit like European Hares. They also have the European Hare's habit of hiding in tufts of grass. There are five known species of hare-wallabies. Of these, the Eastern Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes leporides) is already extinct, and the Central Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes asomatus) possibly so. Only one species, the Spectacled Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) is still widespread. Hare-wallabies mostly prefer tropical plains and grassland.

Nail-tail wallabies These wallabies are so named because of the horny spur they have at the end of their tails. There are three species of nail-tail wallabies. One, the Crescent Nail-tail Wallaby (Onychogalea lunata) is extinct. The Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata) is found only in a small area around Dingo in Queensland. The Northern Nailtail (Onychogalea urguifera) is found across the top end of Australia and is still common.

Rock wallabies Rock wallabies are a large group of quite different-looking species. As their name implies, they prefer rocky regions. They are found throughout Australia. Because they prefer rocky gorges, cliffs and boulder jumbles, populations may be confined to widely separated and small areas. The most beautiful and strikingly coloured of all macropods is the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus). Competition with feral goats is a problem for rock wallabies in many areas, and we believe foxes have reduced the numbers of some rock wallaby species. The Nabarlek (Petrogale concinna) is the smallest of the rock wallabies. It is unique among all marsupials in that it can continue to produce more than the normal four molar teeth. It prefers grasses rich in silica, and this abrasive food may explain why the animal can continually replace its grinding teeth. Pademelons The Red-necked Pademelon (Thylogale thetis) F. Park A.N.T. Photo Library Pademelons are small wallabies that live in wet forest areas. There are three species in Australia: the Red-legged, Red-necked and the Tasmanian Pademelon (Thylogale stigmatica, T. thetis and T. billardierii). All live in rainforests or wet forests along the east coast and in Tasmania. The Tasmanian Pademelon is known for its fine fur. It was once hunted in great numbers, but remains abundant today. Pademelons prefer similar habitats to potoroos, but have a different diet - they eat juicy grasses and shrubs. All three species remain common.