The
Swamp wallaby is found in eastern and southern Australia from Cape York
to South western Victoria. They prefer thick undergrowth in the forest.
They hide in thick grass and dense bush during the day, and come out
at dusk to browse for food. They eat a variety of grasses, shrubs and
ferns.
It is dark
brown above, light brown to yellow below with a light brown cheek
stripe. Extremities are usually darker, but can vary depending on
area. Distinguished from other Wallabies by it's dark colour, gait
is also different, holding the head low, tail straight out behind.
The swamp wallaby is in fact quite different from other wallabies,
and is classified as the only living member of the genus Wallabia.
The genus
Macropus has 16 chromosomes, the Swamp Wallaby male has 11 and 10
in the female.
The weight
for an adult male is 17 kg. females 13 kg. This can vary depending
on area.
Head
and body length for males is on average 76cm. females 70cm. Tail length
for males is 76cm, females 69cm average.
The swamp
wallaby has a broad fourth premolar tooth, which is never shed, and
is used for eating course plant material. The Swamp Wallaby breeds
all year round, and is sexually mature at 15-18 months old. After
a gestation period of 33-38 days only one young is born.
The joey
stays in the pouch till it is about 8-9 months old, but will still
stick its head in the pouch for a drink till it is approximately 15
months old.
The Swamp
wallaby is a solitary animal but will aggregate when feeding.
It
is interesting that the Swamp wallaby will eat Bracken Fern, believed
to be poisonous to cattle.
Reference: The Australian Museum. 1996. "The
Complete book of Australian Mammals."
Ronald
Strahan. "Encyclopedia of Australian Animals"
The
Australian Museum."The National Photographic index of Australian
Wildlife."
