Swamp Wallaby

Wallabia bicolor

The swamp wallaby, Wallabia bicolor, is a small to medium macropod of eastern and southeastern Australia, despite a name that makes it sound limited to wetlands. It lives in forest edges, heath, thick scrub, and damp gullies, moving through cover rather than open plains. The species has a dark brown to nearly black back, reddish or orange-toned underside, pale cheek stripe, and long dark tail. Unlike many kangaroos, it browses heavily on shrubs, leaves, ferns, grasses, and fungi.

Wildlife parks, sanctuaries, and licensed private collections keep swamp wallabies where local law allows, while rehabilitators in Australia often see joeys after vehicle strikes or dog attacks. Enclosures need secure fencing, visual cover, dry shelter, and enough space for a shy animal to withdraw from people and dominant pen mates. Captive diets usually combine leafy browse, grass hay, suitable macropod pellets, and careful mineral supplementation. Hand-reared young require species-specific milk formulas and gradual weaning; release candidates need minimal habituation and cover-rich habitat.