Swamp Wallaby

 in news?

• On Monday, researchers reported that the swamp wallaby, a marsupial related to the kangaroo, is pregnant throughout its adult life. It typically conceives a new embryo days before delivering the newborn from its previous pregnancy.

About Swamp wallaby

• The swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) is a small macropod marsupial of eastern Australia.
• It can be found on the eastern coast of Australia from southeastern South Australia, Victoria, eastern Queensland, and eastern New South Wales.
• Swamp wallabies generally live in, but are not restricted to, dense forests, woodlands, and swampy areas.
• Swamp wallabies are solitary, nocturnal animals. They have been found to gather at common food sources with other unrelated animals without showing signs of territorial defense.
• Swamp wallabies are strictly herbivorous.
• A decrease in the abundance of swamp wallabies has occured due to habitat destruction and, to a lesser degree, killing by farmers.
• However, Wallabia bicolor is still common and these issues are not currently considered threats to its survival.
• It is classified under ‘Least Concern’ in IUCN Red List.

PRELIMS QUESTION:

Q. A marsupial of Eastern Australia, this species has been found to be pregnant throughout its adult life by scientists. Which of the following is the mentioned animal?

a. Kangaroo

b. Swamp Wallaby

c. Wombat

d. Koala Bear

Answer to Prelims question