Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata)

The Bridled Nail-Tailed Wallaby


The bridled nail-tailed wallaby is endangered in part due to hunting in the early 1900s. The species was hunted not only for its fur but also because it was considered a pest. This nocturnal marsupial was thought to be extinct by 1960. Although hunting is a contributing factor, the primary factor in the decline of this species has been the competition for food with grazing livestock. A population was discovered in 1973 in central Queensland. Currently there is only one notable population of the bridled nail-tailed wallaby, located at the Taunton National Park.

Average bridled nail-tailed wallabies measure 600mm (including the head and body) with an average tail measurement of 450mm. Coloration is grey with some yellow throughout. There are white stripes that start from the ears and continue to under the arms, giving the appearance of the animal wearing a bridle (hence the name). The underbelly is white. A white stripe is present on each cheek that starts at the nose and continues under the eye. The tail has a point (“nail-tailed”) and is colored similar to the underbelly.

Bridled nail-tailed wallabies enjoy eating grasses and forbs, sometimes tubers. The species prefers greener plant material and will use its paws to push away dry vegetation to get to the greener plants.

One young is born each year usually in May. Little is known about the life span of a wild bridled nail-tailed wallaby; however in captivity they can live up to five and a half years.

It is notable that when the bridled nail-tailed wallaby hops quickly, its arms move in a circular pattern away from the body.

Further Information on the Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby:

Bibliography

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. ©2001.

Animal Info-Bridled Nail-tailed Wallaby, Massicot, P., 8/10/04, www.animalinfo.org/species/onycfrae.htm.

Walker’s Animals of the World, Nowak, R. ©1999.