Wallaby is the name given to all 30 species of the family Macropididae
smaller in height than the kangaroo. Many people refer to a wallaby and mean
small kangaroo. Most species of wallaby are located only in Australia,
the Isle of Man of the UK
coast, New Zealand
and Oahu Island.
There are a number of feral populations of wallabies, created by the mating of
wallabies that have escaped captivity, but most are located in zoos. Wild
wallabies are often regarded as pests.
Similar in appearance and genetics to the kangaroo,
wallabies have long tails, powerful limbs and keep their young in pouches. Baby
wallabies are referred to as joeys and are weaned and kept safe in the pouch
for months after they are born.
Most species of wallabies are herbivores feeding on plants
and shrubs.