Short-eared rock kangaroo
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Short-eared rock kangaroo ( Petrogale brachyotis ) |
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| ( Gould , 1841) |
The short-eared rock kangaroo ( Petrogale brachyotis ) is a species of marsupial from the kangaroo family (Macropodidae).
features
Short-eared rock kangaroos reach a total length of 83 to 107 centimeters, of which almost half is due to the tail, and a weight of 4 to 5 kilograms. The color of their fur is variable, in the west of the distribution area it is more light gray, in the east dark gray or brownish, sometimes with whitish stripes. The tail ends in a bushy tassel, named for its short ears compared to other rock kangaroos . The long and strong rear legs are equipped with pads that provide support in rocky terrain.
Distribution and way of life
These kangaroos are native to northern Australia , their distribution area includes both the Kimberley region in northern Western Australia and the north of the Northern Territory including offshore islands such as Groote Eylandt . Their habitat is rocky regions, often in the vicinity of savannahs or forests.
They are nocturnal, during the day they sleep in crevices or caves, but sometimes they can be observed while sunbathing. At night they go in search of food, mainly eating grass.
Little is known about reproduction. Presumably after a gestation period of around 30 days, a single young animal is born and spends its first six to seven months in its mother's pouch.
Danger
Short-eared rock kangaroos are relatively common in some areas, but have disappeared in other regions, such as the southern part of their range in the Northern Territory. Overall, the species is not endangered according to IUCN .
In Europe these kangaroos are no longer kept, the former owners are Frankfurt and Hanover.
supporting documents
literature
- Ronald Nowak: Walker's Mammals of the World. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore 1999, ISBN 0-8018-5789-9
Web links
- Information at Animal Diversity Web
- Petrogale brachyotis onthe IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Retrieved May 24, 2009.