Andu, The Yellow-Legged Rock Wallaby

Scientifically named Petrogale xanthopus, the yellow-footed wallaby is mainly found in South Australia, New South Wales and south-west Queensland. It is often described as one of the most colourful marsupials, thanks to its distinctive coat.

Article and photographs by Svetlana Markoff / edited by Damien Lafon

*Natural habitat area located in the Burkaringa Sanctuary in Australia.*

The Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby: A Rocky Mountain Regular

Of the forty or so species of kangaroos in Australia, only four belong to the “Rock Wallabies” family. The Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, also called Andu by the Adnyamathanha people, holds an important spiritual place as a totemic species and protective spirit.

The Burkaringa Sanctuary, located in the Ikaras Flinders Ranges, serves as an essential refuge for these wallabies. During hot days, they hide in caves and rock cavities to protect themselves from the heat. Mainly nocturnal, they come out at dawn and dusk to feed and interact. These moments allow us to observe their social behaviors, often marked by delicate interactions.

The yellow-footed wallaby is distinguished by its multicoloured fur that combines red, grey, black and white, as well as its ringed tail. It remains difficult to spot, thanks to its ability to blend into the rocky environment. With a size of between 90 and 100 cm, it is the largest of its family. Males, weighing between 8 and 11 kg, are more imposing than females, which weigh between 6 and 7 kg. With powerful and agile legs, it jumps with great precision from rock to rock, adapting perfectly to its steep habitat. This marsupial thus embodies a unique combination of elegance, strength and adaptability.

Lifestyle and reproduction: Adaptations and continuity

Yellow-footed wallabies, known for their sociability, form colonies that can bring together up to a hundred individuals. Furthermore, each colony is organised around a dominant male and several main females responsible for reproduction. This usually takes place at the end of the rainy season, when food resources become more abundant.

After a gestation period of about thirty days, the young continue to develop in the mother’s marsupial pouch. For six to seven months, the young benefit from a secure environment, where they receive the warmth and food they need for their growth. In addition, kangaroos, including yellow-footed wallabies, have a remarkable adaptation: embryonic diapause. This unique mechanism allows the female to temporarily suspend gestation in the event of unfavourable environmental conditions or when another young already occupies the marsupial pouch.

This biological strategy, by adjusting reproduction to the availability of resources, maximises the young’s chances of survival. It therefore plays a fundamental role in the preservation of the species, particularly in habitats subject to unpredictable environmental variations.

*Pair of yellow-legged kangaroos called “Andu” by the local community.*

Dietary adaptations: surviving in semi-arid environments

Herbivores, yellow-footed wallabies mainly consume herbaceous plants, shrubs and tender young shoots. They occasionally supplement their diet with saline plants, adapted to the semi-arid regions where they live. Thanks to their flexible diet, these wallabies adapt to seasonal variations, which allows them to survive in habitats where food can become scarce.

In addition, their ability to locate water sources in arid environments is impressive. In times of scarcity, they compensate for the lack of water by hydrating themselves solely with the moisture contained in the plants they consume. This physiological adaptation allows them to survive for long periods without direct access to a water source.

Threats and conservation efforts for yellow-footed wallabies

The yellow-footed wallaby is under severe pressure from invasive species introduced by humans, such as goats, sheep and rabbits. These animals compete directly with wallabies for already limited food resources in their natural habitat. The introduction of the red fox and the domestic cat has also increased threats, as these predators particularly prey on juveniles and young adults. These individuals, not having yet fully developed their agility, are more vulnerable to their predators.

At the same time, climate change is exacerbating the situation. Prolonged droughts and increasingly frequent bushfires are severely impacting habitats. The “Black Summer” of 2019-2020 was particularly destructive for Australian wildlife, including yellow-footed wallabies. Although sport hunting is now banned, mining activities continue to fragment their habitat, reducing connectivity between populations. This fragmentation leads to a decline in genetic diversity, compromising the species’ resilience to current threats.

The yellow-footed rock-wallaby population is now estimated at around 3,500 individuals in South Australia, only 250 in New South Wales, and an unknown number in Queensland. This is significantly lower than the 12,000 individuals recorded a decade ago, highlighting the urgent need for increased conservation efforts. These measures must simultaneously address environmental, predatory and human threats to ensure the survival of this species.

*Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) another predator of wallabies.*

Conservation efforts

Since 2011, conservation initiatives involving the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the Adnyamathanha people have focused on protecting the yellow-footed rock wallaby. These efforts include regulating fox and feral cat populations to protect juveniles, and controlling feral herbivores to increase food supplies. In parallel, wildfire management through controlled burns helps restore habitat suitable for their survival.

The Bounceback for Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies program is an example of these efforts, with a focus on habitat restoration. In 2017, a notable achievement was the return of the yellow-footed rock wallaby to the Boolcoomatta region, the first in 90 years. This progress is a testament to the effectiveness of conservation strategies.

In addition, awareness-raising initiatives aim to educate local communities and the general public about the importance of protecting this unique species. These actions involve essential collaboration between scientists, governments and indigenous peoples to develop sustainable strategies.

Although populations are showing signs of recovery, vigilance remains necessary in the face of emerging threats. Continued conservation efforts are essential to ensure a viable future for this iconic species of Australian wildlife. Every conservation action contributes to preserving the ecological balance of the regions where the yellow-footed wallaby lives.