NAILTAIL WALLABY TWINS BORN AT THE RAINFOREST HABITAT

TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2009

The Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary in Port Douglas, the Tropical North’s leading wildlife experience, has witnessed a rare occurrence in nature, with two sets of twin Northern Nailtail wallabies being born over the past year.

The species has been breeding very well since a small population arrived in early 2005, and the park now has the largest captive population of Northern Nailtail Wallabies in Australia, and most possibly the world.

The Rainforest Habitat Curator Terry Carmichael said staff first came to the realisation after noticing one of the female wallabies had too many tails and feet hanging out of her pouch.

“The joeys had to share the pouch equally because that’s where the teats are, but as they grew, the pouch got more and more extended, to the point that it couldn’t hold them to normal term,” he said.

“It got to a stage where it just wasn’t big enough for both of them, but luckily she was such a good mother that she controlled the situation admirably and both babies survived.”

The same situation occurred recently, this time allowing wildlife staff to observe the development of the twin joeys more closely.

“Twins are rare in kangaroo and wallaby species, but certainly not unheard of. We have checked with experts and found that females who produce twins are likely to continue to do so, so we can perhaps expect a few more,” Mr Carmichael said.

The Northern Nailtail Wallaby is a medium-sized species found throughout northern Australia, taking its name from the small horn-like spur, similar to a fingernail, at the tip of its tail, the purpose of which nobody is sure.

Situated in Port Douglas, The Rainforest Habitat is Australia’s leading wildlife experience, providing visitors with a chance to observe up close a huge range of flora and fauna.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact The Rainforest Habitat General Manager Michael Woodward on (07) 4099 3235.

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