The wallaroo is a medium to large macropod. As the name suggests, it looks like a mix between a wallaby and a kangaroo.

There are three species in the park: the black wallaroo, antilopine wallaroo and common wallaroo (also called the euro).

Where to see it

Swift and powerful, the black wallaroo is perfectly adapted to blend into the shadows of the Stone Country, the only place on earth it is found. Females are smaller than the males and grey in colour.

Black wallaroos are often seen near Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), particularly on the Barrk Marlam walk.

Despite its name, the common wallaroo, or euro, is hard to find in Kakadu. But you might spot it on the rocky hills and scree slopes along the base of the escarpment.

More common is the antilopine wallaroo, which can be seen grazing in grassy areas throughout the park.

Behaviour

Life in the Stone Country means that many wallaroos rely on spinifex for food. This tough, spiky grass is indigestible by most animals and has a tendency to grind down teeth.

But our furry friends have adapted by regularly replacing their chompers! As a wallaroo’s front teeth wear down, they fall out, and fresh ones appear at the back of its mouth, pushing the whole row forward.

Other names

Black wallaroo

• Scientific name: Osphranter bernardus

Common wallaroo (euro)

• Scientific name: Osphranter robustus

Antilopine wallaroo

• Scientific name: Osphranter antilopinus