Macropus robustus
hill wallaroo

Inhabits most regions of Australia, including Central Australia, Cape York Penninsula of Queen Island in Northeastern Australia, the rocky areas of Hodgson in Northern Australia and the Victoria region.

Macropus robustus is found in many regions of Australia. They can survive where the temperatures rises to 120 F and where the average rainfall is less than 380 mm/year. They prefer rocky places for shade and can inhabit regions of sparse vegetation. Strahan, 1995; Tyndale-Biscoe, 1973; Nowak, 1991

Macropus rotundus (euro) was one of the largest and heaviest of the macropodid family, with mature males attaining twice the weight of mature females. Euros are stout and heavy with a head to tail length of 1138-1986 mm (males) and 1107-1508 mm (females). The tails are about 551-901 mm (males) and 534-749 mm (females). The pelage is darker (greyish-black) than most others in the Macropodidae, and it is of medium length and directed downwards. The fur is less dense than that of red and grey kangaroos and includes thin and sparse underfur. The color of the fur is dark grey on the dorsal side and pale to nearly white on the ventral side. The muzzle of the euro has a bare black rhinarium and a slight lateral inflation. The nasal region and the back of the ears are black, while the lips, the inside and base of the ears are white or pale. The legs and tail have a very dark brown color that bleeds into a black tint near the tips of both extremeties. The teeth have vertically placed roots in the second and third incisors. The second incisor has enamel that covers about the height and length of the crown. The outer face of the tooth has an indistinct groove. The third incisor is long and equals the combined length of the first and second incisors and also has an external notch near the front edge. The third premolar is about 7 mm in length and the fourth premolar is large and powerful. The molars have well developed transverse ledges with connecting ridges that are small and sometimes absent. The stance of the euro distinctive. The shoulders are thrown back, elbows tucked into the sides and wrists raised. Strahan 1995; Tyndale-Biscoe 1973; Nowak 1991

One of the most unusual characteristics of euros is that their behavior is very well adapted for survival in arid environments. Temperatures in the desert can reach as high as 120 F, yet euros are able to survive. They have several ways in which they thermoregulate their body temperatures. When heat is excessive, they pant to induce evaporative cooling. They also excavate a hole near or under rocks and stunted trees. In the hole, they lie in a upright position, very alert and difficult to approach. They prefer rocky terrain because shade from rocks is the primary source of protection from the desert heat. They rarely forage more than 200 m from a rock shelter. To minimize water loss and reduce energy lost in thermoregulation, they venture from their shelters and forage in the evening. Euros can survive on minimal nutrients and do not need to forage great distances or at great speeds for nutrient rich plants. They lead sedentary and solitary lives. Little is known of territorial or social behavior. However, a most interesting question is whether or not the cave refuges are claimed and defended as territory (Strahan). If the euro feels threatened or disturbed it utters a loud hissing sound, followed with exhalation. It also makes a distinct 'cch-cch' sound. Strahan, 1995; Thomas,1888; Warneke,1995.

Euros are herbivores that do not require much water or highly nutritious foods. They drink less frequently than most species in the family and eat foods that have lower nutritional value. They mainly feed on spinifex, soft grasses, shrubs, herbs and low protein/ low fiber grasses. In the spring they graze on grass inflourescences and forbs. Strahan, 1995; Tyndale-Biscoe, 1973.

Euros are very well adapted to arid environments. Aside from their behavioral adaptations, euros are interesting to scientists because of their physiological adaptations. Euros have a very efficient excretory system that recycles nitrogen and urea to make a very concentrated urine. This physiological adaptation can provide scientists with much information about evolution of physiological characteristics. Tyndale-Biscoe, 1973; Warneke, 1995.

In Victoria, euros are in urgent need of protection. Due to their isolation, they are vulnerable to factors such as predation and human land development. In Victoria they are classified as rare. In all other areas that are known to contain euros, however, the populations are abundant. Warneke, R.M. 1995. Mammals of Victoria: Distribution, Ecology and Conservation. Oxford University Press, Australia. 189.

Macropus robustus was described by Gould in 1839. One interesting aspect of the euro is what they choose as more important: water or shelter. In an experiment, scientists placed water tanks near rocky terrain and in open flat areas. They observed that hardly any euros visited the water tanks placed in the open flat areas, but the euros did frequent tanks near the rocky shelter. Another interesting result was that the water tank near the shelter attracted only 72% of the euros in that area; these were predominantly lactating females. This study showed that Euros placed shelter over free water and even when given the opportunity to obtain free water, they did not do so unless necessary. Strahan, 1995