Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Parma wallaby
Latin Name: Macropus eugenii

Class: Mammals
Order:    Marsupialia

Description
As marsupials, parma wallabies carry young in pouches until they are developed. Though related to the kangaroo and similar in appearance, parma wallabies are much smaller.

Range
Eastern coast of Australia

Status
In 1965 a population of parma wallabies, thought to be extinct, was discovered in Australia. They are currently considered threatened.

Habitat
Forests (commonly with high precipitation) with thick underbrush

Niche
Widely dispersed throughout their habitats, parma wallabies hide within bushes before emerging to feed in the evening.

Life History
There is little social organization—different ages and genders interact. Promiscuous by nature, the male will vocalize during breeding.

2

Special Adaptations

  • Also known as the white-throated wallaby do to their coloration.
  • Parma wallabies communicate with visual clues. For example, aggression is exhibited by tail wagging and foot stomping.