What is a euro?
A euro is a stocky macropod of Australia's arid and rocky regions, also known as the common wallaroo. It lives on rocky hills and outcrops across much of mainland Australia.
The common wallaroo has several forms. In the eastern ranges it is darker and shaggier and is usually called a wallaroo, while in drier western and central areas it is reddish-brown and is commonly called a euro.
Euros are smaller than red kangaroos but strongly built, with shaggy fur and a distinctive bare black nose. They hop with a more upright posture and are well suited to rocky terrain.
Desert survivors
Euros shelter in caves and rock overhangs during the heat of the day. They can survive long periods without drinking by getting moisture from plants.
They are common across their range.
Euros are often seen in the MacDonnell Ranges and the Flinders Ranges.
Euros are mostly active at night, dawn and dusk, when temperatures are cooler, and they often stay close to the rocky areas that give them shelter. Males are much larger than females and can weigh up to about 45 kilograms. Wedge-tailed eagles and dingoes are their main natural predators.
Did You Know?
The name euro comes from an Aboriginal language of South Australia.