Hare-wallabies are a group of small, elusive marsupials that blend seamlessly into the arid, semi-arid shrublands, and grassy landscapes of Australia. Despite their small size (typically weighing between one to three kilograms), hare-wallaby species can move incredibly swiftly if they need to, using their powerful hind legs and distinctive hopping gait to leap quickly across open plains and dense shrubland.
Australia was home to four species of hare-wallabies in the genus Lagorchestes (two of which have gone extinct since European settlement) and another, unrelated species in the genus Lagostrophus.
The first part of both generic names is derived from the Greek ‘lagos’ meaning hare. The second part means dancer or leaper (Lagorchestes) or ‘slippery fellow’ (Lagostrophus), reflecting the hare-wallabies’ nimble nature and swift, evasive movements.
The Banded Hare-wallaby is the sole living survivor of an ancient kangaroo lineage that diverged from other macropods around 20 million years ago. The Lagorchestes hare-wallabies are related to more typical kangaroos and wallabies, although the group is thought to have diverged from other macropods around five million years ago, evolving unique traits that help them survive in some of Australia’s most challenging ecosystems.
Wayne Lawler/AWCAdapted for survival
Found in semi-arid shrublands, deserts, grasslands, and spinifex country, hare-wallabies have evolved to survive on sparse, nutrient-poor vegetation. Though lesser-known than their larger kangaroo relatives, they play important roles in the ecosystems they inhabit.
Much like their name suggests, hare-wallabies possess powerful hind legs that enable them to bound through their habitat at remarkable speeds. Their large, dark eyes, positioned to provide a wide field of view, give them an edge in spotting threats, while their distinctive long ears help them detect subtle sounds in the stillness of the night. While they share the same morphological features, the behaviour of the Banded Hare-wallaby is different, with the species mainly relying on its camouflage to avoid predation.
By day, hare-wallabies retreat to shallow burrows or dense vegetation, sheltering from the searing heat and predators. Emerging at dusk to feed on shrubs, grasses, herbs, and roots, hare-wallabies show an impressive ability to extract moisture from the arid plants that dominate their habitat. This adaptation allows them to thrive in environments where water is scarce.
A hare’s breath away from extinction
Despite their resilient nature, hare-wallaby populations have not fared well since European settlement.
Two species – the Lake Mackay Hare-wallaby Lagorchestes asomatus, and the Eastern Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes leporides)- have gone extinct. Two of the remaining species – the Rufous Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes hirsutus), and Banded Hare-wallaby (Lagostrophus fasciatus) – have contracted from formerly widespread distributions to islands free of introduced predators (foxes and feral cats).
The remaining species – the Spectacled Hare-wallaby (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) – has contracted from the south of its range, persisting sparsely across the savannas of northern Australia.
Conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs, fire management and predator control, are crucial in safeguarding these vulnerable marsupials.
Wayne Lawler/AWCLearn about some of the species protected on Australian Wildlife Conservancy wildlife sanctuaries and partnership areas below.
