This shy little forest dwelling marsupial inhabits temperate coastal forest near areas of grass and shrub land.

Mainly nocturnal, this small wallaby with a distinct rufous tinge to the neck and shoulders, comes out of the forest at dusk to feed on grasses in more open areas, and can sometimes be seen feeding on roadside verges.

Of the two species in the area, the Red-necked is much more commonly seen than the even shyer Red-legged Pademelon, who prefers to live much deeper into the forest.

Breeding in this area usually occurs in late spring and summer.

The female which has four teats in a forward opening pouch gives birth to, and rears a single joey, which finally leaves the pouch at about 26 weeks old.

The main threat to this species is without doubt habitat loss, but at present its current status is still fairly common. Joeys often come into care after being orphaned in road accidents. Pays to check those pouches.