Distribution and abundance of kangaroos (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) at the time of European contact: Tasmania.

Abstract

The Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus originally extended from the River Forth in the northwest to the east coast and south to North West Bay. It occurred on both sides of the Derwent River upstream beyond New Norfolk and into the central highlands along the Ouse and Shannon Rivers to the Great Lake, Lake Echo and Arthur's Lakes. Its highest density was probably in the coastal areas of the northeast and in the Norfolk Plains areas of the Macquarie and South Esk Rivers. Its present range comprises islands within that original range, augmented by a few populations established by translocation.