Albino Tammar Wallabies

(Macropus Eugenii)

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Wallaby social-group at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney

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• RANGE: The Tammar Wallaby was originally found in great numbers on the Adelaide plains of South Australia. Now found only on Kangaroo Island - just offshore. [One website stated that they were also native to New Zealand. Sorry!]

• HABITAT: Grassland plains.

• SIZE: One of the smallest Wallabies. Males to 68cm, females to 63cm. Weight 6 to 9 kg.

• DIET: Wild grasses. Can drink sea water, their kidneys are extremely efficient.

• CONSERVATION STATUS: Vulnerable.

• NOTES: An unusual breeding cycle. Shortly after birth, the female mates and the resulting embryo remains in a state of suspended animation while the newly born joey is suckled. After 9 months the joey leaves the pouch and the embryo is born about 12 months after conception.

• "Macropus eugenii is a very important animal in scientific research . . . , the species is used in studies of human reproduction and sperm production in mammals. Also, according to Russell Jones, M. eugenii is a model animal for studies of the transport of androgens (hormones that stimulate the development of male sex characteristics) to the accessory organs of reproduction."

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Photograph and comments by Fonofbafut, at fonofbafut@yahoo.com

Research notes from: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/macropus/m._eugenii$narrative.html

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