Two wallabies enjoying the sunshine. Not to be mistaken for kangaroos, wallabies are smaller marsupials native to Australia.
Two wallabies enjoying the sunshine. Not to be mistaken for kangaroos, wallabies are smaller, these have black marks on their faces and different colourings to their marsupial cousins. Wallabies are herbivores whose diet consists of a wide range of grasses, vegetables, leaves, and other foliage. Due to recent urbanization, many wallabies now feed in rural and urban areas. Wallabies cover vast distances for food and water, which is often scarce in their environment. Mobs of wallabies often congregate around the same water hole during the dry season. Their powerful hind legs are not only used for bounding at high speeds and jumping great heights, but also to administer vigorous kicks to fend off potential predators. The Tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) has elastic storage in the ankle extensor tendons, without which the animal’s metabolic rate might be 30-50% greater. It has also been found that the design of spring-like tendon energy savings and economical muscle force generation is key for the two distal muscle–tendon units of the Tammar wallaby (Macropus-Eugenii). Wallabies also have a powerful tail that is used mostly for balance and support. Wallabies face several threats. Wild dogs, foxes, and feral cats are among the predators they face. Humans also pose a significant threat to wallabies due to increased interaction. Many wallabies have been involved in vehicular accidents as they often feed near roads and urban areas.
Size: 4314px × 2876px
Location: Byford, Western Australia
Photo credit: © Duncan Sharrocks / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: australia, marsupial, wallabies, wallaby, wild
