Short-tailed dwarf kangaroo (Latin name: Setonix brachyurus), also known as persimmon pepper bear, is the only member of the genus dwarf kangaroo. This is a small kangaroo, as big as a domestic cat.

Short-tailed dwarf kangaroos, like other marsupials, are herbivores and often move at night. Short-tailed dwarf kangaroos live on some small islands off the coast of Western Australia, mainly distributed in Rotness Island near Perth and Balde Island near Aberny. Short-tailed dwarf kangaroos live in groups on a small piece of land in Errenwan Nature Reserve and live with Gilbert's long-nosed kangaroos.

The short-tailed dwarf kangaroo weighs 2.5-5 kg (5.5- 1 1.0 lb), has a body length of 40-54 cm (16-2 1 inch) and a tail length of 25-30 cm (9.8-/kloc-0).

The short-tailed dwarf kangaroo has a strong physique, round ears and a short and wide head. Although it looks small, it can climb small trees and shrubs. Its rough fur is brownish gray, and the lower part gradually becomes lighter and yellow.

Short-tailed dwarf kangaroos are not afraid of humans, and it is common for humans to approach them, especially on Rotnis Island.

In the wild, short-tailed kangaroos are confined to a small area in the southwest of Western Australia, with small families as activity units. There is a large group of people on the island of Lotness. Short-tailed dwarf kangaroos occupy a variety of habitats, from semi-arid shrubs to plantations, and they are very common. A small group of people live on the bald island near Albany. There are no foxes and cats on the island.

human population

Although there are many short-tailed dwarf kangaroos in coastal islands, their distribution is very limited and they are listed as vulnerable species. In mainland Australia, they are threatened by hunters such as foxes, so they need dense vegetation as shelter.

Large-scale felling of trees and agricultural development have led to the reduction of its habitat, resulting in a decrease in the number of this species. Cleaning up the burned marshes and introducing cats, dogs and Australian wild dogs have aggravated this problem.

In addition, short-tailed dwarf kangaroos generally give birth to a cub at one birth and successfully raise a mouse every year. Although it can continue to breed, usually one day after the baby is born, the number of babies born in one child is small, the range of activities is limited, and the threat from hunters makes this kangaroo very rare in the mainland.