Red-necked wallaby

The red-necked wallaby, also known as Bennett's wallaby, is a medium-sized marsupial native to eastern Australia and Tasmania. These captivating creatures have also established populations in countries such as New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and the Isle of Man.

Easily identifiable by their distinct features, red-necked wallabies have black noses and paws, a white stripe on their upper lip, and a grizzled grey coat with a reddish tint on their shoulders. In Australia, they typically inhabit coastal scrublands and sclerophyll forests.

Behaviorally, red-necked wallabies are predominantly solitary but will form groups when food is abundant. They have a social hierarchy and engage in reconciliation behaviors following conflicts. As nocturnal creatures, they spend their days resting and their nights foraging. Their diet consists of grasses, roots, tree leaves, and weeds.

There are three subspecies of red-necked wallabies, each varying slightly in size, fur characteristics, and breeding habits. Introduced populations outside of Australia have thrived in several regions, including New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, and Austria. In some of these areas, they have even become local symbols, highlighting their adaptability and successful establishment in new environments.