Petrogale xanthopus

Meet ‘Peter’, the yellow-footed rock wallaby and mascot for the Flinders Ranges.

The magnificent landscape of the Flinders Ranges provides critical habitat for this vulnerable species, Petrogale xanthopus.

They are not all called Peter, just this one, he, his missus (Gail) below, and baby (Peter junior), live in Brachina Gorge.

As you can see from the top photo the yellow-footed rock wallabies colours camouflage very well with the rocks and lichens of their favoured habitat. They are wonderfully adapted to the rocky slopes of the Flinders Ranges and traverse seemingly ‘unclimbable’ cliff faces with ease, moving with silent, sure-footed grace.

Early last century the yellow-footed rock wallaby was hunted nearly to extinction, by early European settlers and probably even more so by their feral companions, the rapacious domestic cat and the European fox. Though humans have taken the role of protector, cats and foxes and wild dogs still remain the yellow foot’s main predators.

These wonderful creatures have been slowly regaining their numbers, thanks to the efforts of a small army of conservationists, DEH (National Parks) and private sanctuaries like Arkaroola and Warraweena and the many pastoralists and tourism operators that live in the Flinders Ranges.

However, habitat destruction is the greatest ‘human’ threat to the yellow-footed rock wallabies survival. Let’s make sure that they survive their marathon.

As you travel through the Flinders Ranges keep your eyes peeled, this shy and elusive animal is a joy to sit and watch. Their engaging antics and classic cuddly-toy beauty are well worth your patience.