Rufous (Western) Hare-wallaby

The rufous hare-wallaby, also known as the mala, is an endearing small marsupial native to Australia. Once widespread across the western half of the continent, these diminutive creatures are now predominantly found on Bernier Island and Dorre Island off the coast of Western Australia. Their population has plummeted mainly due to predation by feral cats and foxes, as well as devastating wildfires. Currently, the mala is classified as vulnerable.

Mala thrive in spinifex sandplain habitats, where they create burrows beneath large spinifex hummocks to escape the intense heat. These nocturnal herbivores are characterized by their rufous-grey fur and weigh between 800 and 1,600 grams.

Fortunately, efforts are underway to reintroduce the rufous hare-wallaby to mainland Australia. Successful reintroduction projects have been implemented in the Tanami Desert and Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary. The species was first described by John Gould in 1844. Intriguingly, there are four distinct subpopulations or subspecies of the mala, with some existing exclusively on specific islands near Western Australia.

In Anangu (Aboriginal) culture, the mala holds a significant place as revered ancestral beings known as the 'hare wallaby people.' The Mala Tjukurpa, or Mala Law, is a crucial element of their living culture, guiding them in their relationships with people, plants, animals, and how to care for the land. This profound cultural connection is celebrated through stories, songs, dances, and ceremonies, keeping the mala's legacy alive and vibrant.