Pademelon

Common Name: Tasmanian Pademelon, also known as the Rufous-bellied pademelon or red-bellied pademelon.

Scientific Name: Thylogale billardierii

Native to: Tasmania. Though they used to be found on mainland Australia, due to predation and loss of habitat, they are now restricted to Tasmania. The species was extirpated from the mainland during the 19th century.

What does it look like: The Tasmanian pademelon, the only species of its kind in Tasmania, has evolved. distinct characteristics from its pademelon ancestors in northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Its fur, for instance, is thicker and bushier, a feature that aids in insulation in Tasmania’s cooler climate. Its body is compact, with a relatively short tail and legs, perfect for navigating dense vegetation. The fur color varies from grey to brown on the back and reddish or lighter brown on the stomach. Interestingly, the males are much larger than the females.

Diet and Habitat: Tasmanian pademelon prefer wet forests such as rainforests; however, they may also inhabit wet gullies inside dry forests. The Tasmanian pademelon is an herbivore, meaning it only eats plants. Pademelons eat various plants, such as herbs, green shoots, grass, and flowers. They are nocturnal (which means that they sleep during the daytime). At dusk, once the sun sets, they will emerge from vegetation cover and move into open areas to feed.

STEM Fun Fact: Pademelons are marsupials, which is a group of mammals. Marsupials are first born in a premature state, which means that they are born before they are finished growing. When marsupials like pademelons are born, they crawl into their mother’s pouch, where they continue to grow. Wombats, Koalas, and Kangaroos are all marsupials like the Tasmanian Pademelon.