Tasmanian Pademelon
Thylogale billardierii
Meet the Tasmanian Pademelon
Habitat & Range
The Tasmanian Pademelon is found naturally only in Tasmania, making it one of the island's endemic mammals.
Pademelons favour forests, woodlands and areas of dense vegetation that provide shelter close to open grassy feeding areas.
During the day they can remain hidden within thick vegetation, emerging into more open areas to feed when conditions are quieter.
What's on the Menu?
Tasmanian Pademelons are herbivores. They feed on grasses, herbs, leaves, shoots and other plant material.
Like other members of the macropod family, their digestive system is adapted to process fibrous vegetation with the help of microorganisms living within their digestive tract.
Amazing Adaptations
Tasmanian Pademelons have powerful hind legs that allow them to move quickly through their environment by hopping.
Their compact body shape helps them move through thick forest undergrowth, while large ears provide excellent hearing for detecting possible danger.
Females have a pouch where their tiny newborn joey continues to grow and develop after birth.
Did You Know?
Pademelons are smaller and more compact than many wallabies and kangaroos. Their body shape is particularly well suited to moving through Tasmania's dense forest understorey.
Although they may look similar to a small wallaby, the Tasmanian Pademelon is its own distinct species.
Behaviour
Tasmanian Pademelons are most active from dusk through the night and during the early morning.
They often spend daylight hours resting among dense vegetation before moving into grassy clearings and forest edges to feed.
Pademelons are generally solitary, although several animals may feed in the same area when suitable food is available. When disturbed, they quickly retreat into dense vegetation.
Conservation & Threats
Tasmanian Pademelons remain widespread in suitable habitat across Tasmania.
Individual animals face threats including road collisions, dog attacks and habitat loss or fragmentation.
Maintaining healthy forests, dense native vegetation and connected habitat helps pademelons and many other Tasmanian species move safely through the landscape.
Tasmanian Pademelons at Trowunna
Tasmanian Pademelons are part of the diverse community of native marsupials found at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary.
They provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about one of Tasmania's endemic mammals and the important relationship between native wildlife and healthy forest habitats.
Trowunna also cares for orphaned and injured native wildlife, with rehabilitation and release pursued wherever appropriate.
How You Can Help
- Slow down when driving, especially between dusk and dawn.
- Keep dogs under control around native wildlife.
- Never feed wild pademelons.
- Protect native forests, shrubs and dense ground cover.
- Give wild pademelons space and allow them to move away without being followed.
- Contact an appropriate wildlife rescue service if you find an injured or orphaned pademelon.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Please give Trowunna's pademelons plenty of space and allow them to choose whether they approach you.
Do not chase, corner or attempt to handle a pademelon. Only offer food supplied or approved by Trowunna and always follow instructions from our wildlife keepers.