We have put together some photos from previous “Who’s living on my land?” surveys to help you identify mammal species that you may find on your property.
This ID guide is a work in progress – so watch this space!
Macropods (Kangaroos)
Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)
What to look out for:
- Larger than wallabies
- About ¼ of tail is black, which fades to grey
- Grey face (no stripes) and body. Paler on underparts
- Black outline around eye
- Males are much larger than females – bulky arms and chest
Similar species
- Common Wallaroo (M. robustus) – these are bulkier and shaggier
Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus)
What to look out for:
- Red neck and shoulders
- White cheek stripe
- Black ear tips and stripe between eyes
- Black paws
- Pale tail (can be darker at tip)
Similar species
- Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) – similar size, darker in colour and chunkier
- Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)- darker tip of tail, no red colouring or black lined ears
Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)
What to look out for:
- Dark fur, paler on underparts
- White cheek stripe
- Stumpy arms
- Thick black tail (can have white tip)
Similar species
- Similar size to Red-necked wallaby except has black tail
- Stocky like a Wallaroo except much smaller
Common Wallaroo (Macropus robustus)
What to look out for:
- Really variable colour coat – Red/grey/black
- Shaggy coat
- Very stocky (Males 2-3x the size of Females)
Similar species
- Eastern Grey Kangaroo (M. giganteus) – much more chunky
Medium mammals
Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus)
What to look out for:
- No hairs on the nose
- Short rounded ears
- Broad head
- Stocky and strong body
- Shaggy fur
Small Mammals (Rats, mice and antechinus
Black Rat (Rattus rattus) – introduced species
What to look out for:
- Tail longer than the body length
- Pointy nose
- Large ears
Similar species
- Bush Rat (R. fuscipes) – tail is much longer
Introduced Species
Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
What to look out for:
- Red coat
- White underparts
- Bushy tail
Reference:
Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. 2004. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia (2nd edition), Oxford University Press.
