Petrogale inornata, Gould, 1842

Russell A. Mittermeier & Don E. Wilson, 2015, Macropodidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 5 Monotremes and Marsupials, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 630-735 : 716

37.

Unadorned Rock Wallaby

Petrogale inornata

French: Wallaby terne / German: Queensland-Felskanguru / Spanish: Ualabi rupestre de Queensland

Other common names: Plain Rock Wallaby, Unadorned Rock-wallaby

Taxonomy. Petrogale inornata Gould, 1842 ,

“ north coast of Australia ” (= Cape Upstart , central Queensland) .

A member of the lateralis / penicillata group of species (which includes also P. rothschildi, P. lateralis , P. purpureicollis , P. penicillata , P herberti , P. assitmilis, P sharmani , P mareeba , P. godmani , P. coenensis ). Formerly regarded as a subspecies of P. penicillata , but reinstated as a separate species in 1982. Previously contained P. assimilis as a subspecies, but latter now regarded as a distinct species. Monotypic.

Distribution. C coastal Queensland from Burdekin River at Home Hill S to Fitzroy River; also Whitsunday Is. W limit uncertain.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 47.5-61.5 cm (males) and 43-56 cm (females), tail 48.5-64 cm (males) and 43-56 cm (females); weight 3.4-6.6 kg (males) and 3.1-5 kg (females). Coloration varies with rock substrate. Gray-brown dorsally, but some dark gray or dark brown, paler ventrally; arms, legs, and base of tail also pale. Pale cheek stripe and slight dark mid-dorsal stripe occasionally present. Degree of ornamentation varies with latitude, animals in south of range having more noticeable markings, including faint dark axillary patch and light side stripe. Tail darkens toward tip, with slight brush, although some individuals have pale tail tip. Moults in autumn to predominantly gray on back and flanks, then progressively browner through year. Diploid chromosome numberis 22.

Habitat. Rocky areas within open forest, woodland, vine thickets, and coastal scrub.

Food and Feeding. Poorly known. Likely to be similar to the Allied Rock Wallaby (P. assimalis). Preliminary data indicated that diet consisted mostly of grass, with some browse also consumed.

Breeding. Females reach sexual maturity at c.18 months and males just over a month later. Females are continuous breeders, producing one young per pregnancy, and can breed throughout year. Females exhibit embryonic diapause and post-partum estrus, usually mating within 24 hours of giving birth. The estrous cycle and gestation period are 30-32 (mean 31) days. Young spend c.6-5-7-5 months in the pouch and are weaned up to three months later. After permanent pouch emergence, young accompany the mother as a young-at-foot for several months.

Activity patterns. Nocturnal in summer, crepuscular or partially diurnal in other months. Shelters during day among rocks, within boulder piles, or in dense vegetation. Moves off rocks in late afternoon or early evening to feed in surrounding area. In cooler months may sit on rocks to bask in the sun, especially in late afternoon or early morning.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Poorly known. Likely to be similar to the Allied Rock Wallaby. Colonies may contain more than 50 individuals. Forages mostly solitarily or in pairs, although small aggregations have been reported at abundant food source.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. The Unadorned Rock Wallaby is common throughout most ofits distribution. It appears to be facing no major threats, and is present in several protected areas. Research into general ecology is required.

Bibliography. Blumstein & Daniel (2003a), Burnett & Martin (2008b), Eldridge (1997), Eldridge & Close (2008d), Johnson (1979, 2003), Potter, Cooper et al. (2012), Sharman et al. (1989), Winkel (1997).

Figures

On following pages: 29. Monjon (Petrogale burbidgel); 30. Proserpine Rock Wallaby (Petrogale persephone); 31. Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus); 32. Rothschilds Rock Wallaby (Petrogale rothschild); 33. Black- footed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale lateralis).

Distribution. C coastal Queensland from Burdekin River at Home Hill S to Fitzroy River; also Whitsunday Is. W limit uncertain.