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

 

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Reference:

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. 2004. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia (2nd edition), Oxford University Press.