Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby
Scientific Name: Petrogale xanthopus
Aboriginal Name: Wulaba – Dharug Language – Sydney NSW Area
The Wallaby is a small marsupial that only grows to be about 90 centimetres tall. Here are some fun facts about them:
- The Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby is a symbol of agility and survival. Their Dreamtime story tells of a wallaby leaping between the rocks to escape danger, to illustrate the qualities of quick thinking and adaptability.
- The yellow-footed rock wallaby is known for its colorful fur, which includes bands of yellow, orange, and white on its legs and tail, making it one of the most colourful marsupials in Australia.
- These wallabies are amazing rock climbers. They live in rocky outcrops and cliffs, and their strong legs and grippy feet help them leap and balance on steep surfaces.
- Yellow-footed rock wallabies are experts at finding the perfect hiding spots and live in areas with lots of caves and crevices that provide shelter from predators and extreme weather.
- Their long, bushy tails help the wallabies balance while hopping around rocks and is also strong enough to act as a support when the wallaby is sitting or standing upright.
- During the hottest parts of the day, yellow-footed rock wallabies hide in cool caves or under ledges to stay out of the sun. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
- The yellow-footed rock wallaby’s fur pattern helps it blend in with the rocky environments they live in, making it difficult for predators to spot them.
- Like koalas, yellow-footed rock wallabies get most of the water they need from the plants they eat.
- They often live in groups called colonies, which can include up to 100 wallabies. They are social animals and stay together for protection.
- The yellow-footed rock wallaby is a rare species, and they are protected in Australia to help keep their populations safe.