Wilkins' rock-wallaby
The eastern short-eared rock-wallaby or Wilkins' rock-wallaby (Petrogale wilkinsi ) is a species of rock-wallaby found in the northernmost parts of the Northern Territory of Australia, and is common in the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. It was thought to be a subpopulation of the short-eared rock-wallaby Petrogale brachyotis found in the Kimberley (Western Australia), but recent genetic and morphological studies have shown it to be distinct. Wilkins' rock-wallaby is smaller, has more distinct grey/brown markings on its head and sides, and more colourful limbs than the western species.
A species of Petrogale, a diverse and widespread genus of macropods related to kangaroos and wallabies. They superficially resemble the species Petrogale brachyotis, but are darker in coloration, exhibit brighter fur at the limbs and display more distinct stripes at the head and flanks. The weight range is 2.6 to 3.5 kilograms, smaller than the western species, and discovered to have deep divergence in their mitochondrial DNA that strongly supports the separation of their ancestral lineages.The overall colour of the pelage is dark brown and grey.
The distribution range of P. wilkinsi extends across the Top End of the Northern Territory.
