|
|
|
|
Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby
|
| |
|
| |
The Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata, also sometimes seen as Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby, and archaically Flashjack) is an endangered species of wallaby, presently found in three isolated pockets Queensland, Australia. The small wallaby is named for its two distinguishing characteristics; a white "bridle" line that runs down from the back of the neck around the shoulders, and the horny spur on the end of its tail.
Discussion
Ask a question about 'Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby' Start a new discussion about 'Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby' Answer questions from other users |
Encyclopedia
The Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata, also sometimes seen as Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby, and archaically Flashjack) is an endangered species of wallaby, presently found in three isolated pockets Queensland, Australia. The small wallaby is named for its two distinguishing characteristics; a white "bridle" line that runs down from the back of the neck around the shoulders, and the horny spur on the end of its tail. Estimations place the present total population of the species at around 500 individuals.
Description
The Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby can grow to 1 meter in length, half of which is tail, and weighs 4-8 kg. Females are somewhat smaller than the males.
Key physical features are the bridle markings, a black dorsal stripe and the tail spur. Other markings include stripes on their cheeks, which is often seen in other species of wallabies as well. The tail spur can be 3-6mm long and partly covered in hair. Its purpose is unclear.
The "nail-tail" is a feature common to two other species of wallabies, the Crescent Nail-tail Wallaby and the Northern Nail-tail Wallaby. While the Crescent Nail-tail was declared extinct in 1956, the Northern Nail-tail wallaby still exists in steady populations in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Nocturnal by nature, the wallabies are most active during the night-time and dusk periods. Day is usually spent sleeping in hollows near bushes or trees. In modern habitats, Nail-tails keep close to the edges of pasture grasses.
These wallabies have a strong reputation as shy and solitary animals. They may occasionally form small groups of up to four to feed together when grazing is in short supply.
The Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby likes to avoid confrontation and has two main ways of avoiding threats - hiding in hollow logs and crawling under low shrubs. If caught in the open, it may try to lie completely still hoping not to be observed.
Joeys are brought up in the mother's pouch. One young is born at a time and availability of food sources determine how often they breed. The gestation period is about 23 days and the joey stays in the pouch for around four months.
History
At the time of European settlement, Bridled Nail-tail Wallabies were common all along the East Australian coastline region to the west of the Great Dividing Range. Naturalists in the 19th century reported that the species ranged from the Murray River region of Victoria through central New South Wales to Charters Towers in Queensland.
The species declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with no confirmed sightings between 1937 and 1973, by which time it was believed to be extinct. After reading an article in a magazine about Australia's extinct species, a fencing contractor reported that there was an extant population on a property near Dingo, Queensland.
Recovery efforts
Since its rediscovery, the Bridled Nail-Tail has been the target of private conservation efforts to re-establish viable populations. Captive breeding programs have allowed the establishment of three populations; two in State reserves located at Idalia and Taunton National Parks, and another on a private reserve, Project Kial, located near Marlborough in the Central Queensland region. There are an estimated 400-600 individuals.
Major threats to the species are predation by introduced species, namely feral cats and foxes. Protecting habitats from these predators is key to maintaining reserve populations.
Scientific significance
The Bridle Nail-Tail wallaby is of interest to marsupial researchers due to its immune system appearing to possess a hardier constitution than other species of marsupials. In the words of Central Queensland University based marsupial immunologist Lauren J Young, "These wallabies appear to be able to survive parasite infections, viruses and various diseases more readily than other marsupials".
External links
- , Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
- , A Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Recovery Project, Australian Animals Care & Education Inc (AACE)
|
| |
|
|
