Petrogale penicillata (Gray, 1827)

Genus Classification

This species is a member of the Petrogale (rock wallaby) genus.

General Fur Texture and Color

It has dense, shaggy fur that is either rufous or grey-brown.

Tail Length

Its tail measures 500 to 700 millimetres in length, which is longer than the combined head-and-body length of 510 to 580 millimetres.

Tail Appearance

The tail is brown or black, with fur becoming bushier toward its shaggy, brush-like tip.

Adult Weight

Adults weigh between 5 and 8 kilograms.

Upper Body Pelage

The upper parts of the pelage are either entirely rufous-brown, or grey-brown over the back and shoulders with brown fur on the thighs and rump.

Underpart Markings

The paler underparts may have a white marking on the chest.

Limb and Side Markings

Very dark fur covers the lower limbs, paws, feet, and the sides beneath the forelimbs; a whitish stripe may run along the side of the body.

Geographic Variation in Fur

Individuals from the northern part of the species' population have paler coloration and shorter fur.

Distinction from Black-Footed Rock-Wallaby

It can be distinguished from the related central Australian species Petrogale lateralis (black-footed rock-wallaby), which is larger and has shorter, darker fur on the tail and hindquarters.

Distinction from Herbert's Rock-Wallaby

It also overlaps in range with Herbert's rock-wallaby (P. herberti) in its northern area; P. herberti has greyer coloration than this species' warm brown fur, lighter dark limb features, and lacks the blackish coloration and bushy tip on the tail.

Foot Pad Structure

The foot pads of this species are well developed, with a coarse texture that provides good traction on rock surfaces.

General Distribution

This species is found along the Great Dividing Range in fragmented populations, which remain after the species' historical range contraction across its eastern and southern former range.

Southern and Western Range Limits

The southern edge of its current range is the Grampians, and it does not occur further west than the Warrumbungles range in New South Wales.

Northern Population Status

The northernmost populations, found in southeast Queensland, have been less affected by ecological changes.

Daytime Sheltering Behavior

During the day, Petrogale penicillata shelters in rocky habitat, within vegetation or cavities, preferring complex terrain that lets it access cooler temperatures and avoid or remain inaccessible to predators.

Locomotion Ability

It is highly agile when hopping and climbing, allowing it to use ledges, cliff faces, overhangs, caves, and crevices.