Short-eared rock-wallaby
| Short-eared rock-wallaby[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Subclass: | Marsupialia |
| Order: | Diprotodontia |
| Family: | Macropodidae |
| Genus: | Petrogale |
| Species: | P. brachyotis |
| Binomial name | |
| Petrogale brachyotis (Gould, 1841) | |
 | |
| Short-eared rock-wallaby range | |
The short-eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale brachyotis) is a species of rock-wallaby found in northern Australia, in the northernmost parts of Northern Territory and Western Australia. It is much larger than its two closest relatives, the nabarlek (Petrogale concinna) and the monjon (Petrogale burbidgei).[3]
The short-eared rock-wallaby is a gregarious vegetarian, found in rocky hills and gorges. It is variable in its appearance but is generally grey-brown with white areas around its face and legs. It is not considered threatened.[3]
In 2014 a genetic and morphological study identified a separate species, the Eastern short-eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale wilkinsi), previously thought to be P. brachyotis. It occurs in the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, weighs less, and has stronger markings and colouring.[4]
A number of subspecies have been recognised, but these may be invalid.[1]
References
- 1 2 Groves, C.P. (2005). Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M., eds. Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 67. OCLC 62265494. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
- ↑ Woinarski, J., Telfer, W. & Burbidge, A. (2008). Petrogale brachyotis. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 28 December 2008.
- 1 2 Menkhorst, Peter (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press. p. 126.
- ↑ Potter, Sally (22 December 2014). "Hiding in plain sight: a new marsupial species for Australia". The Australian Museum. Retrieved 8 January 2015.