Rock Wallabies

(Petrogale), a genus of mammals of the family Macropodidae. The body is 50–80 cm long, and the tail is 40–70 cm long. Adult animals weigh from 3 to 9 kg. Rock wallabies are sandy-colored; the basic color of the top of the body is gray-brown, the underparts are light yellow or white, and the ends of the paws, snout, and tail are darker. There are two species: P. penicillata and P. xanthopus, which are distinguished by their coloring. Rock wallabies are found all over Australia and on the small adjoining islands. They live in mountains and rocky deserts. They are swift runners, jump as far as 4 m, and adroitly clamber over rocks. They are herbivorous. During arid spells they can go for long periods without water by living on the moisture contained in their food. Rock wallabies reproduce once a year. They are not numerous.