Bennett's Wallaby
Notamacropus rufogriseus
Meet the Bennett's Wallaby
Habitat & Range
Bennett's Wallabies are widespread across Tasmania and are also found in parts of south-eastern mainland Australia, where they are commonly known as Red-necked Wallabies.
They live in forests, woodlands, coastal scrub and other habitats where sheltered vegetation occurs close to open grassy feeding areas.
This combination allows wallabies to retreat into protective cover while still having easy access to areas where they can graze.
What's on the Menu?
Bennett's Wallabies are herbivores and feed mainly on grasses, herbs, leaves and other vegetation.
Their digestive system is specially adapted to break down fibrous plant material with the help of microorganisms living within their stomach.
Amazing Adaptations
Strong hind legs and large feet allow Bennett's Wallabies to move efficiently by hopping, while their long muscular tail helps with balance.
Their large ears can turn towards sounds, helping them detect potential danger in their surroundings.
Females have a pouch where their tiny newborn joey continues to develop and grow after birth.
Did You Know?
Bennett's Wallabies can pause the development of an embryo until conditions are suitable for it to continue growing. This remarkable reproductive adaptation is known as embryonic diapause.
Behaviour
Bennett's Wallabies are generally most active around dusk, dawn and during the night, although they may also be seen feeding during daylight hours.
During quieter periods they often rest among trees, shrubs and dense vegetation before moving into more open areas to graze.
Wallabies are often solitary, but several animals may gather in the same feeding area when food is plentiful.
Conservation & Threats
Bennett's Wallabies remain widespread in Tasmania, but individual animals still face a number of human-related threats.
Road collisions are a major danger, particularly between dusk and dawn when wallabies are active. Dog attacks, entanglement and habitat changes can also cause injury or death.
Protecting native vegetation and maintaining connected habitat gives wallabies safe places to feed, shelter and move through the landscape.
Bennett's Wallabies at Trowunna
Bennett's Wallabies are one of the Tasmanian marsupials visitors can observe at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Their presence gives visitors an opportunity to observe natural macropod behaviour and learn about the adaptations that allow wallabies to thrive in Tasmania's environment.
Trowunna also provides care for orphaned and injured native wildlife, with rehabilitation and release pursued wherever appropriate.
How You Can Help
- Slow down when driving, particularly between dusk and dawn.
- Keep dogs under control around native wildlife.
- Never feed wild wallabies.
- Give wild wallabies plenty of space and allow them to move away without being followed.
- Protect native vegetation and habitat corridors where possible.
- Contact an appropriate wildlife rescue service if you find an injured or orphaned wallaby.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Please give Trowunna's wallabies plenty of space and allow them to choose whether they approach you.
Do not chase, corner or attempt to handle a wallaby. Only offer food supplied or approved by Trowunna and always follow instructions from our wildlife keepers.