Red-bellied Pademelon

About the Red-bellied Pademelon

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 eastern and northern Australia and 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. There are no recognised subspecies. The Tasmanian pademelon has a compact body with short, rounded, ears, thick fur over the limbs, head, and body and a tail covered with short hairs. It has greyish fur over most of the body with yellowish to rufous underparts, and, unlike most other pademelons, has no distinct facial or hip markings. Males reach around 6.5 kilograms (14 lb) in weight, 70–120 centimetres (28–47 in) in length including the 30–45 centimetres (12–18 in) tail, and are considerably larger than the females, which average 4.6 kilograms (10 lb).

Pademelons are abundant and widespread across mainland Tasmania, and are also... Wikipedia →