Тасманийский падемелон: описание и образ жизни

Species of marsupial

The Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii), also known as the rufous bellied pademelon or red bellied pademelon, is the sole species of pademelon found in Tasmania, and was formerly found throughout southeastern Australia. This pademelon has developed heavier and bushier fur than its northern relatives, which inhabit northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. The scientific name honours J. J. H. Labillardier, who collected the first specimen on an expedition to what was then Van Diemen's Land in 1792. Males reach around in weight, in length including the tail, and are considerably larger than the females, which average .

Pademelons are abundant and widespread across mainland Tasmania, and are also found on the nearby King and Furneaux Islands. This species was extirpated from the Australian mainland during the 19th century. Once a part of the diet of the thylacine, the Tasmanian pademelon is still preyed upon by other predators of the island, including Tasmanian devils, quolls, and eagles, Even so, they are abundant to the point of being culled occasionally (along with other wallabies) to reduce competition for grass with the farmed animals. Hunting of the Tasmanian pademelon is allowed, its pelt having some economic value and its meat being palatable.

Pademelons are solitary and nocturnal, spending the daylight hours in thick vegetation. After dusk, the animals move onto open areas to feed, Males engage in ritualised bouts of combat to determine dominance; these are similar to those of other macropodids, including the "boxing" behaviour seen in kangaroos. Copulation can be lengthy, consisting of several bouts, with the animals resting for up to 15 minutes between each session. The mother often gives birth to a second joey while still nursing an older one that has already left the pouch, and typically gives birth to 1.3 young per year.