Red-necked Wallaby - Subspecies

Subspecies

There are three subspecies.

• M. r. banksianus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825) – Red-necked wallaby
• M. r. rufogriseus (Desmarest, 1817) - Bennett's wallaby
• M. r. fruticus (Ogilby, 1838)

The Tasmanian form, Macropus rufogriseus rufogriseus, usually known as Bennett's wallaby is smaller (as island species often are), has longer, shaggier fur, and breeds in the late summer, mostly between February and April. They have adapted to living in proximity to humans and can be found grazing on lawns in the fringes of Hobart and other urban areas.

The mainland form, Macropus rufogriseus banksianus, breeds all year round. Interestingly, captive animals maintain their breeding schedules; Tasmanian females that become pregnant out of their normal season delaying birth until summer, which can be anything up to eight months later.