Association of Social Classes of the Wallaroo, Macropus robustus (Marsupialia : Macropodidae)

Abstract

The association of individuals of different social classes of the wallaroo was examined on two properties (Lana and Newholme) in the New England Tablelands of New South Wales. The density of wallaroos on Lana was seven times greater than that on Newholme. Individuals of different social classes differed in the extent to which they were found alone. More animals were seen alone on Newholme than on Lana but this increase was not uniform over the social classes. Individuals of different social classes did not associate at random. Association patterns differed for individuals in groups of different size. No differences in habitat use were found between different social classes during grazing periods; however, during sheltering periods a greater proportion of large adult males was found in areas with many rocks compared with medium adult males or adult females with young-at-foot. The adaptive significance of the pattern of association of social classes is discussed.