Autumn Pademelon Survey - FREE Event

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Posted 2025-02-02 by Elaine ⇒ follow

Mon 28 Apr 2025

Monitor numbers and behaviour of pademelons in the Reserve

Come along to help monitor the numbers and behaviour of these chunky and bouncy marsupials - Image: Herbie, via Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve FB

What is a pademelon? Fondly nicknamed a paddie, pademelons are chunky, bouncy and unbelievably cute, hopping marsupials that are slightly smaller than most wallabies. Female pademelons are on the petite side, while male pademelons are usually bigger, sometimes reaching more than ten kilograms. However … they all have one thing in common … distinctively plump backsides.

Pademelons are macropods, marsupials named for their big feet - Image: www.mary-cairncross.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Like kangaroos, wallabies and quokkas, pademelons are macropods - a family of marsupials named for their big feet. Queensland and New South Wales have their own species of pademelon, the red-legged pademelon. Standing only 40cm to 55cm at full height, these little mammals are shy and well-camouflaged. Thick grey-brown fur covers their head and back, their cream-white underbelly accentuated by rust colouration on their limbs, cheeks and tail. Red-legged pademelons are most active in the morning, resting in the afternoon. During the day you may see them foraging with their heads drooped and tails between their legs. They forage in small pods in the thicker understory growth, where they find refuge in numbers. If the pademelon feels threatened, they will thump the ground with their hind feet to warn the others. This is a sign your presence is unwanted.

Red-legged pademelons are most active in the morning, a good time for the survey - Image: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve FB

The Autumn Pademelon Survey is an opportunity to learn more about these cute little bundles of fur by joining a team of volunteers, to help survey the red-legged pademelons at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. The team of volunteers conduct regular seasonal surveys in the Reserve to monitor pademelon numbers and behaviour.

No binoculars required to spot this cutie - Image: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve FB

Important information -

The Autumn Pademelon Survey takes approximately one to two hours with observations being made from the track.

Anyone with an interest in observing native wildlife is welcome to come along to participate in the Autumn Survey.

Binoculars will be handy, but not essential.

Please note that participants need to be quiet while conducting the survey.

Numbers are limited and registration is essential.

Participants are requested to meet in front of the Rainforest Discovery Centre at 7.15am for a 7.30am start.

Always time for a snack! Image: Patrick Colley, via www.eventbrite.com.au

Location: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, 148 Mountain View Road, Maleny
Day and time: Monday 28th April, 7.30am to 9.30am
Numbers are limited and even though tickets are free, bookings are essential.
Ticket sales will be available from Monday 10 March at 8.30am. Please follow this link to book your spot or to set a reminder to book your tickets.

Images as indicated

#outdoor
#autumn
#educational
#family_friendly
#community
#april
#free
#maleny
%wnsunshinecoast

302397 - 2025-02-02 00:27:35