Thylogale

Thylogale is a genus of small to medium-sized marsupials belonging to the family Macropodidae, commonly known as pademelons. They are native to Australia and the island of New Guinea. Pademelons are characterized by their short, stocky build, rounded ears, and a relatively short, bushy tail. Their fur is typically a reddish-brown to grey-brown color on the back, with lighter undersides.

These herbivores are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight hours. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, herbs, and ferns. Pademelons are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands, often preferring areas with dense undergrowth for shelter. They are solitary animals, though they may form small, loose groups.

When threatened, pademelons are known for their distinctive hopping and thumping their hind feet on the ground as an alarm signal. They possess powerful hind legs and can move quickly. Reproduction involves a short gestation period, and like other marsupials, the young are born underdeveloped and complete their development in the mother's pouch. Several species of thylogale exist, with some facing conservation concerns due to habitat loss and predation.