Mammals
Tasmanian Pademelon
Thylogale billardierii · also called rufous-bellied pademelon
Slipping cautiously out from dense forest cover at dusk, a Tasmanian pademelon begins browsing along a quiet clearing, a small, stocky relative of the kangaroo that vanished from mainland Australia more than a century ago yet remains common across Tasmania today.
Overview
The Tasmanian pademelon, Thylogale billardierii, is a small, stocky member of the kangaroo family native to forest and grassland habitat across Tasmania and nearby islands. Its complete disappearance from the Australian mainland over a century ago, continued abundance across Tasmania, and shy, cover-dependent lifestyle make it one of the clearer examples of how differently the same species can fare across two neighbouring regions of Australia.
A tale of two very different fates
While the Tasmanian pademelon vanished entirely from mainland Australia generations ago, the very same species has continued thriving without interruption just across the water in Tasmania, a stark contrast that highlights how differently introduced pressures have played out in each location.
Status
Least Concern, remaining common and widespread across suitable forest and grassland habitat throughout Tasmania despite its total absence from mainland Australia.
Tasmanian Pademelon: common questions
Why did the Tasmanian pademelon disappear from mainland Australia?
This species disappeared from the Australian mainland more than a hundred years ago, likely due to a combination of predation by introduced species and habitat change, though it has continued to thrive without interruption across Tasmania, where these particular pressures were less severe.
Is the Tasmanian pademelon closely related to kangaroos?
Yes, this species is part of the broader kangaroo family, though it is notably smaller and more compact than most kangaroos and wallabies, with a short tail and stocky build suited to moving through the dense forest undergrowth it prefers.
Why is the Tasmanian pademelon rarely seen?
This species is largely solitary and shy, depending heavily on dense understorey vegetation for shelter from predators and typically remaining hidden during the day, emerging cautiously to feed mainly at dawn, dusk, and through the night.
Is the Tasmanian pademelon considered at risk?
No, this species remains common and widespread across suitable forest and grassland habitat throughout Tasmania, and despite its total disappearance from the Australian mainland, it is not currently considered to be of significant conservation concern.