Yellow-Footed Wallaby
Petrogale xanthopusFamily
MacropodidaeConservation Status
Near threatenedDistribution
Queensland, New South Wales, South AustraliaHabitat
Rocky outcrops in semi-arid areasFactoid
Yellow-footed rock wallabies are threatened by predation by foxes and feral cats, habitat fragmentation, wildfires, and drought due to climate change.The yellow-footed rock wallaby lives among rocky cliffs, faces, gorges, and boulder fields. It is mainly nocturnal, sheltering in small caves, cracks, and crevices during the heat of the day.
Yellow-footed rock wallabies can jump up to 12 feet. They have strong back legs and long tails, which counterbalance as they dart among the steep slopes.
Also known as ring-tailed wallabies, the soles of their feet are rough and surrounded by coarse hair, helping them to increase traction and get a firm grip on the rocks. They can be identified from other wallaby species by their distinctive pattern of yellow and brown rings on their long tails.