The Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby Petrogale xanthopus is Australia’s prettiest macropod and largest rock wallaby. We’re incredibly lucky to live close to the stronghold of this arid zone specialist in the Flinders Ranges. Here, they are known as andu by the Adnyamathanha people.

Who can forget the sudden and unexpected joy of disturbing a pair in a gorge, to watch them seem to float over the boulders as they make their effortless escape.

But did you know that they are also found in the western Gawler and the Olary Ranges in SA, and isolated patches in NSW and Queensland? It’s thought that once all these populations were linked, allowing gene flow and reducing inbreeding. Now the outlying colonies are isolated and at risk of being snuffed out. The good news is that the species bounces back very well once feral animals are controlled.

Thanks to Ann Ward for these beautiful photos from the Gammon Ranges.