Parma Wallaby - Five Sisters Zoo

Thought to be extinct until 1965, the Parma Wallaby is the smallest member of the Macropus family, which also includes kangaroos. They have a white chin and chest, with a darker stripe running from their forehead to about midback and a general reddish to grey coloured coat. Parma Wallaby’s are nocturnal and typically are solitary but have been found living in pairs and trios in the wild.

Facts

Diet: Herbivore; grasses, herbs, some shrubs and other vegetation

Weight: 3.2-5.9kg

Height: 49-54cm

Habitat: Southeastern edge of Australia; dense vegetation to rest under during the day, with access to grass areas during their nocturnal activity

Life Span: 6-8 years in the wild, 5-6 under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Females can nurse a newborn and juvenile at the same time due to the ability to manufacture two types of milk
  • Ababy wallaby will spend several months in its mother’s pouch to enable to it grow strong enough to survive

Threats

  • Climate change
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

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