Lagostrophus fasciatus
banded hare-wallaby

Lagostrophus fasciatus is found only on Dorre Island and Bernier Island in Shark Bay, 50-60 km west of the Australian mainland. On Dorre Island, the population is concentrated in the north, while on Bernier Island it is further south. The population on Dorre Island is less dense than Bernier Island. Historically, members of this species also lived on the mainland of southwestern Australia. The last recorded individual on the mainland was seen in 1906. Fossils of L. fasciatus have been found on Dirk Hartog Island, south of their current location. Current attempts are underway to reintroduce this species to the western Australian mainland. Attempts to re-introduce L. fasciatus to Dirk Hartog island failed, possibly as a result of predation by feral cats. (Friend and Beecham, 2004; Helgen and Flannery, 2003; Menkhorst, 2001; Prince, 1983; Richards et al., 2001; Short and Turner, 1992; Tyndale-Biscoe, 1965)

Lagostrophus fasciatus usually lives in woodlands with thick, dense shrubs, which it uses for shelter during the day. Many of the shrubs are of the species Acacia ligulata. Additionally, banded hare-wallabies form runs under the shrubs. The islands on which they live are of a Mediterranean climate, warm with moderate rainfall and distinct wet and dry seasons. (Prince, 1983; Short and Turner, 1992)

The head-body length of Lagostrophus fasciatus is usually 400-450 mm. Tail length ranges from 350-400 mm, and tail diameter from 13-21 mm. The distance from the knee to the foot on the hind limb ranges from 96-146 mm and the pes length from 94-121 mm. The weight varies from 1.3-3 kg, although most specimens weigh under 2 kg. The fur is thick, shaggy, long, and gray with a few yellow and silver splotches. Lagostrophus fasciatus is marked by transverse black stripes along the lower back. Ventrally the fur has a grayish-white color. The face is gray and the flanks have a reddish tint. The snouts are normally hairless and short. Canines are absent. The sexes are not dimorphic in color or size. The fifth metatarsal is partially ventral to the fourth and is cylindrical in shape. The metabolic rate is unknown. Two subspecies exist: Lagostrophus fasciatus fasciatus and Lagostrophus fasciatus baudinettei. The latter is more reddish in color with less pronounced stripes and a bigger hair crest on the head. It may also have a shorter tail. (Flannery, 1983; Helgen and Flannery, 2003; Menkhorst, 2001; Prince, 1983; Richards et al., 2001)

The skull of this species has interorbital ridges that are almost parallel, a moderately large zygomatic arch, and a mandibular condyle that is lengthened transversely. On the upper jaw, the first incisor is larger than the third incisor, which is larger than the second incisor. The lower incisors line up below the upper incisors instead of lying behind the upper incisors. The crown of the first upper incisor is not completely surrounded by enamel. Additionally, the second and third upper premolars are L-shaped. The lower premolars have a broad anterior cingulum. (Flannery, 1983; Helgen and Flannery, 2003)

Male scrotal width for Lagostrophus fasciatus ranges from 13-31 mm. (Richards et al., 2001; Tyndale-Biscoe, 1965)

Lagostrophus fasciatus can live up to six years. (Richards et al., 2001)

Individuals typically seek shelter in small groups during the day and are nocturnal, foraging for food at night. Males are aggressive with each other, competing for food. However, adults of different sexes and adult females with juveniles show no aggressive behavior toward each other. (Menkhorst, 2001; Prince, 1983; Short and Turner, 1992)

Home Range

The home range is unknown.

Banded hare wallabies, like other kangaroos and wallabies, use their keen vision and senses of smell, touch, and hearing to perceive their environment. Communication between conspecifics is poorly understood, but it is likely that they use chemical and visual cues.

Banded hare wallabies mainly browse or occasionally graze on foliage and grasses. Individuals accumulate in areas with high densities of Acacia ligulata, A. coriacea, Heterodendrum oleifolium, and Diplolaena dampieri, using them as the main sources of food. They are also sometimes found grazing in Triodia grasslands. For hydration, individuals use dew and water from their food. (Menkhorst, 2001; Prince, 1983; Short and Turner, 1992)

Wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) and other raptors are known predators of Lagostrophus fasciatus. Red foxes probably preyed on this species when it occurred on the Australian mainland. Feral cats (Felis silvestris may also prey on these small wallabies. Slow breeding and spending time in open areas during the day makes these wallabies especially vulnerable to predation. (Friend and Beecham, 2004; Short and Turner, 1992)

This species is an herbivore that may impact its communities by grazing and browsing. Competition between banded hare wallabies and similar rufous hare-wallabies (Lagorchestes hirsutus) is low due to different habitat preferences and differences in skull and teeth. (Short and Turner, 1992)

Banded hare wallabies currently live on uninhabited islands, so they have little interaction with humans. (Short and Turner, 1992)

Banded hare wallabies currently live on uninhabited islands, so they have little interaction with humans. (Short and Turner, 1992)

Lagostrophus fasciatus is considered vulnerable by ANZECC and the IUCN. Human clearing of land for agriculture, competition with introduced sheep and rabbits, and predation by introduced predators are likely to have caused extinction on the Australian mainland. (Richards et al., 2001)