nail-tailed wallaby

marsupial

Also known as: Onychogalea

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Nail-tailed wallabies are a genus of small kangaroos, distinguished by a horny nail at the tip of their tails. These marsupials are part of the Macropodidae family, which includes all kangaroos and wallabies. Found primarily in Australia, nail-tailed wallabies are known for their brightly marked, silky fur and are sometimes called "organ-grinders" due to how they rotate their forelimbs while hopping. Unfortunately, two of the three species of nail-tailed wallabies are currently endangered.123

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wallaby
…species of nail-tailed wallabies (Onychogalea) are named for a horny growth on the tail tip. They are handsomely striped at the shoulder. Because they rotate their forelimbs while hopping, they are often called organ-grinders. Two species are endangered.
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…species of nail-tailed wallabies (Onychogalea) are named for a horny growth on the tail tip. They are handsomely striped at the shoulder. Because they rotate their forelimbs while hopping, they are often called organ-grinders. Two species are endangered.
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