Petrogale rothschildi, Thomas, 1904

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 : 711-712

32.

Rothschild’s Rock Wallaby

Petrogale rothschildi

French: Wallaby de Rothschild / German: Rothschild-Felskanguru / Spanish: Ualabi rupestre de Rothschild

Other common names: Roebourne Rock Wallaby, Rothschild’s Rock-wallaby

Taxonomy. Petrogale rothschildi Thomas, 1904 ,

“ Cossack River , N. of Western Australia.”

A member of the lateralis / penicillata group of species (which includes also P. lateralis , P. purpureicollis , P. penicillata , P. herbert, P ornata, P assimilis , P sharmani , P mareeba , P. godmani , and P. coenensis ). Monotypic.

Distribution. NW Australia, in Pilbara and Ashburton regions of Western Australia; also Dampier Archipelago (Rosemary, Enderby, and Dolphin Is). E and S limits and extent of overlap with the Black-footed Rock Wallaby ( FP. lateralis ) uncertain.

Descriptive notes. Head—body 50.2-59.2 cm (males) and 46.3-52.6 cm (females), tail 57.7-70.4 cm (males) and 53.9-61.3 cm (females); weight 5.6-6 kg (males) and 3.7-5 kg (females). Grayish brown dorsally, dull brown ventrally. Upper surface of head and ears rich dark brown, contrasting with lighter cheek and throat, and gray neck and shoulders. No dorsal or lateral stripe. Fur sometimes suffused with purplish pigmentation, especially around back of neck and shoulders. Individuals from island populations are smaller than mainland individuals. Diploid chromosome numberis 22.

Habitat. Rocky outcrops, rocky slopes, boulder piles, cliffs, and gorges in hummock grassland and shrubland with occasional trees.

Food and Feeding. Poorly known. Reported to feed on soft grasses, herbs, and fruit.

Breeding. There is no specific information available for this species, but likely to be similar to other members of genus.

Activity patterns. Largely nocturnal. Spends the day sheltering within rock piles or in caves, crevices, and overhangs, where it is usually more humid and 10-15° C cooler than outside temperature. Emerges to feed in late afternoon and early evening.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. There is no information available for this species.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. This rock wallaby is locally common in some areas, but has declined substantially in others. Introduced Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) has had severe impact on coastal populations and those on Dolphin Island. As a consequence of a long-term fox-baiting program, many populations are now recovering. In 1981, Rothschild’s Rock Wallabies from Enderby Island were introduced to West Lewis Island, where they became established and subsequently spread to nearby East Lewis Island. A recovery plan has been prepared. None is currently held in captivity. Long-term impact of mining operations in the Pilbara is a potential threat and should be monitored. Altered fire regimes are also a potential threat. Additional research on distribution, abundance, general ecology, and impact of potential threats is required.

Bibliography. Bradshaw et al. (2001), Kinnear et al. (2002), Morris & Burbidge (2008), Pearson (2012), Pearson & Eldridge (2008), Pearson & Kinnear (1997), Potter, Cooper et al. (2012), Sharman et al. (1989).

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. NW Australia, in Pilbara and Ashburton regions of Western Australia; also Dampier Archipelago (Rosemary, Enderby, and Dolphin Is). E and S limits and extent of overlap with the Black-footed Rock Wallaby ( FP. lateralis ) uncertain.