Thylogale stigmatica (Gould, 1860)

Taxonomy and Species Classification

The red-legged pademelon (Thylogale stigmatica) is a species of small macropod found on the northeastern coast of Australia and in south-central lowlands of New Guinea.

Australian Distribution Range

In Australia, it has a scattered distribution stretching from the tip of Queensland's Cape York Peninsula to around Tamworth in New South Wales.

Social Behavior

It is usually solitary, but may gather in groups when feeding.

Primary Habitat

It occurs mostly in rainforests, where it is rarely seen.

Conservation Status

It is not considered threatened overall, but is classified as vulnerable within New South Wales.

Diet Composition

Its diet consists of fallen fruit, leaves, and grasses.

Size and Weight Measurements

It weighs 2.5 to 7 kg, has a body length of 38–58 cm, and a tail length of 30–47 cm.

Subspecies Details

There are four recognized subspecies: T. s. stigmatica, found in the Cairns region of Queensland; T. s. coxenii, found in Cape York Peninsula; T. s. orimo, found in New Guinea; and T. s. wilcoxi, found in southern Queensland and New South Wales.

Habitat Fragmentation Causes

Land clearance has caused a reduction in the red-legged pademelon's range, and its distribution is discontinuous, especially in the north where it is limited by the availability of vegetation that provides suitable cover.

Habitat Tolerance

The species remains common in areas where intact habitat still exists, and it is not seriously disturbed by selective logging. While it prefers rainforest areas, it is also found near sclerophyll forest and dry vine scrubs.

Protected Habitat Availability

Extensive rainforest clearing has reduced its available habitat, but there are currently enough parks and reserves across its range to secure its overall status.

Habitat Edge Benefits

Forest clearing can benefit the red-legged pademelon to a limited degree: a higher number of forest fragments provides the pademelons with more adequate pastures that supply sufficient food.

Australian Subspecies Count

Only two subspecies of red-legged pademelon inhabit Australia.

Lifespan Details

The red-legged pademelon has a lifespan of 4 to 9.7 years. Lifespan is affected by predation and forest fire; after a forest fire, predation levels increase because of reduced forest cover.

Reproductive Cycle Timing

For red-legged pademelons, the gestation period is 28–30 days, and the oestrous cycle is 29–32 days. Mating takes place 2–12 hours after the birth of young.

Pouch Young Development Milestones

The sex of pouch young can be distinguished at 3 to 4 weeks old. Teat detachment happens at 13–18 weeks, ears become erect at 15–18 weeks, eyes open at 16–18 weeks, and hair becomes visible at 19–21 weeks.

Juvenile Development

Young leave the pouch at 26–28 weeks old, and begin eating solid food approximately 66 days after leaving the pouch.

Sexual Maturity Ages

Females reach sexual maturity at about 48 weeks old, while males reach sexual maturity at about 66 weeks.

Newborn Characteristics

At birth, the tiny young is blind, has only undergone 3 to 6 weeks of development, and has barely developed limbs, but its forelimbs are well-enough developed for it to haul itself through its mother's belly fur to reach the pouch.

Post-Partum Mating

Shortly after giving birth, the female pademelon becomes receptive to mating again, and will become pregnant again if mating is successful.