ON THE BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL-ORGANIZATION OF AGILE WALLABIES, MACROPUS-AGILIS (GOULD, 1842) IN 2 HABITATS OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

The behaviour, population characteristics and patterns of association of the agile wallaby Macropus agilis were recorded over five months du ring the dry and late dry season in two habitats at Kapalga, Northern Territory, Australia. Mean population density of wallabies in a monsoo n forest was estimated to be approximately 6.5 times greater than in o pen eucalypt woodland. In both populations, the sex ratio of adult ani mals was significantly biased towards females. The mean size of associ ations was higher in the monsoon forest. Larger associations in both h abitats were temporary and represented aggregations at spatially conce ntrated resources: foraging areas, water and shelter sites. Females wi th their independent offspring and small males were essentially solita ry. Large and medium-sized males were always seen associated with fema les of different size classes. Gregariousness in M. agilis was correla ted with population density which appeared to depend on the habitat an d the distribution and availability of food. The solitariness of young males and stability of female groups in the eucalypt woodland may be a result of females remaining within the home range of their mothers w hereas young males may separate and disperse soon after weaning.