Purple-naped rock kangaroo

Purple-naped rock kangaroo
	Purple-naped rock kangaroo ( Petrogale purpureicollis )
Systematics
Superordinate :	Australidelphia
Order :	Diprotodontia
Family :	Kangaroos (Macropodidae)
Subfamily :	Macropodinae
Genre :	Rock kangaroos ( Petrogale )
Type :	Purple-naped rock kangaroo
Scientific name
	Petrogale purpureicollis
	Le Souef , 1924

Distribution area of the purple-naped rock kangaroo

The purple-naped rock kangaroo ( Petrogale purpureicollis ) is a mammal in the kangaroo family . This taxon was longer than synonymous with the black paw rock-wallaby ( Petrogale lateralis ). It has been recognized as a species since the beginning of the 21st century.

features

The name of this rock kangaroo refers to the striking pink to purple shade of fur on the head, neck and shoulders. In general, the species has a speckled brown-gray basic color, with the gray hues dominating in winter. The fur on the underside is lighter. Other characteristics are wide, light stripes on the cheeks and a dark stripe on the top of the head. The species reaches a head-torso length of 39 to 61 cm, a tail length of 44.5 to 58 cm and a weight of 3 to 7 kg.

Distribution and way of life

The purple-naped rock kangaroo lives in northern Australia in the eastern areas of the state of Queensland, as well as possibly in adjacent areas of the Northern Territory . The species prefers rocky regions with limestone or sandstone cliffs that are overgrown with eucalyptus forests , acacia forests or grass. Larger groups tend to be in areas with constant access to water.

The individual groups of the purple-naped rock kangaroo consist of up to 20 members. The animals rest during the day between piles of stones, in caves or in wider crevices and look for food at dusk or at night. Mainly grasses and leaves serve as food. On colder days, they use the morning to sunbathe.

The willingness of the females to mate is independent of the season. After a short gestation of 33 to 35 days, the young animals live in their mother's pouch for about 6 months. You will be suckled for another 3 to 6 months. Females reach sexual maturity after 18 to 22 months.

status

Presumably the species, like other rock kangaroos, is hunted by introduced predators. Since the arrival of the Europeans, they have had new competitors in the form of grazing pets. According to the IUCN , the population is decreasing . The species is also listed on the early warning list due to its small distribution area ( Near Threatened ).

supporting documents

↑ Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Petrogale purpureicollis ).
↑ ^a ^b ^c Lee K. Curtis (Ed.): Queensland's Threatened Animals . Csiro Publishing, 2012, ISBN 978-0-643-09614-1 , pp. 362 (English, purple-necked rock-wallaby ).
↑ ^a ^b Petrogale purpureicollis in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2016 Posted by: Burbidge, AA & Woinarski, J., 2008. Accessed May 11, 2017th

[Wilson-1] Don E. Wilson , DeeAnn M. Reeder (Ed.): Mammal Species of the World . A taxonomic and geographic Reference . 3. Edition. 2 volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 (English, Petrogale purpureicollis ).

[Curtis-2] Lee K. Curtis (Ed.): Queensland's Threatened Animals . Csiro Publishing, 2012, ISBN 978-0-643-09614-1 , pp. 362 (English, purple-necked rock-wallaby ).

[IUCN-3] Petrogale purpureicollis in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2016 Posted by: Burbidge, AA & Woinarski, J., 2008. Accessed May 11, 2017th