The
Swamp wallaby is found in eastern and southern Australia from Cape
York to South western Victoria. They prefer thick undergrowth in
the forest where they hide in thick grass and dense bush during
the day, and come out at dusk to browse for food. They eat a variety
of grasses, shrubs and ferns.
This
wallaby is dark brown above, light brown to yellow below with
a light brown cheek stripe. Extremities are usually darker, but
can vary depending on area.
Distinguished
from other Wallabies by it's dark colour, gait is also different,
holding the head low, tail straight out behind. The swamp wallaby
is in fact quite different from other wallabies, and is classified
as the only living member of the genus Wallabia.
The
genus Macropus has 16 chromosomes, the Swamp Wallaby male has
11 and 10 in the female.
Weight for an adult male is 17 kg. females 13 kg. This can vary
depending on area.
Head
and body length for males is on average 76cm. females 70cm.
Tail
length for males is 76cm, females 69cm average.
The
swamp wallaby has a broad fourth premolar tooth, which is never
shed, and is used for eating course plant material. 
The
Swamp Wallaby breeds all year round, and is sexually mature at
15-18 months old. After a gestation period of 33-38 days only
one young is born. The
joey stays in the pouch till it is about 8-9 months old, but will
still stick its head in the pouch for a drink till it is approximately
15 months old. 
The
Swamp wallaby is a solitary animal but will aggregate when feeding.
It
is interesting that the Swamp wallaby will eat Bracken Fern, believed
to be poisonous to cattle.
Reference: The Australian Museum. 1996. "The Complete book
of Australian Mammals."
Ronald
Strahan. "Encyclopedia of Australian Animals"
The
Australian Museum."The National Photographic index of Australian
Wildlife."
