Some observations on the behaviour of the Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus antilopinus (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).

Abstract

The grouping pattern and social behaviour of the Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus antilopinus were observed during the 'dry' season in a population located near Mt. Finniss, Northern Territory. Antilopine Wallaroos are highly gregarious forming small groups of mean size 4.5 individuals. Only large adult males and females with young-at-foot were commonly found apart from other individuals. The Antilapine Wallaroo is significantly more social than the Wallaroos (M. robustus) but in its social behaviour more closely resembles the Wallaroos than other members of the genus Macropus. However, its social behaviour has some singular elements. Allogrooming between adults, especially sparring males, is unusually frequent; a peculiar head-tossing behaviour is used by threatening males; and flehmen appears to be more overt in this species. Possibly the more open plains habitat of the Antilopine Wallaroo has resulted in a greater gregariousness in this species than in the hill-dwelling Wallaroos (M. robustus).