Red kangaroo

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Red kangaroo
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Macropodidae
Genus: Macropus
Binomial name
Macropus rufus
Desmarest, 1822

The red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest kangaroo.[2] The word macropus means "big foot"[3] and rufus means red. It is the largest mammal in Australia, and the largest marsupial in the world. It lives in the arid open areas of Australia which covers much of the country. It is not found in the south, on the east coast, or in the northern rainforests.

Description[change | change source]

The red kangaroo is a very large kangaroo. The fur is short, red to brown in colour, fading to a pale colour below and on the legs. Females are smaller than males and are a blue-grey colour with a small amount of brown,[3] pale grey below, although arid area females are coloured like males. The kangaroo has long, pointed ears and a squared-off nose. The kangaroo has two front legs with small claws. It has two strong back legs, which are used for jumping, and a strong tail which is often used for balance when standing upright. The tail is also used as a fifth leg when walking slowly.

The males can jump a distance of 9 m (30 ft) in one leap.[4]

Males grow up to 1.5 m (5 ft) tall and weigh up to 85 kg (187 lb). Females are 1.1 m (4 ft) tall and weigh up to 35 kg (77 lb). The tails is about 1 m (3 ft) long. [5] There are often reports of larger red kangaroos, with some males reaching about 2 m (7 ft) tall.

The red kangaroo is able to keep its body cool (36 °C, 96.8 °F) in a hot climate. Its fur acts to insulate the body and during the heat of the day the kangaroo will rest and stay in the shade. It also control its temperature by panting (breathing hard), sweating and licking its front legs.

The red kangaroo's range of vision is about 300° because of the position of its eyes. (A human's range of vision is about 180°).

Behaviour[change | change source]

Where red kangaroos live

The red kangaroo is nocturnal and crepuscular, and spends the day sleeping or resting in the shade. It is active in the cool of the evening and at dawn. It lives alone or in small groups called 'mobs'. Membership of these groups often changes, and males are not territorial. The largest males control most of the matings and chase off other males.[6]

Feeding[change | change source]

Female red kangaroo

The Red Kangaroo eats grasses and other vegetation. It can go without water, as they are able to get enough moisture out of plants.[7]

Breeding[change | change source]

The red kangaroo breeds all year round. The gestation period is around 33 days. The females are also able to delay birth of their baby until their previous joey has left the pouch.[4] The young joey leaves the pouch at around 235 days old, but will continue to suckle until it reaches 1 year of age.

Fighting[change | change source]

When male kangaroos fight, they look like they are "boxing". They usually stand up on their back legs and attempt to push the other off balance by jabbing him or locking front legs. Using their tail to support their weight, they can also kick with their powerful back legs.

Commercial use[change | change source]

The red kangaroo is hunted in large numbers in Australia. In the year 2000, 1,173,242 animals were killed.[8] In 2009 the government put a limit of 1,611,204 for the number of red kangaroos available for commercial use. The kangaroo industry is worth about AU$270 million each year, and employs over 4000 people.[9] The kangaroos provide meat for both humans and pet food. Kangaroo meat is very lean with only about 2% fat. Their skins are used for leather, and makes the lightest and strongest leather. Around the world, nearly all professional soccer players wear boots made from kangaroo leather.[10]

References[change | change source]

  1. Ellis M. et al (2008). Macropus rufus. 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2008. Retrieved on 28 December 2008. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
  2. Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 66. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Red Kangaroo - Mammals - Nature Notes - Alice Springs Desert Park". Retrieved 2009-04-16.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Red Kangaroo - Zoos Victoria". Retrieved 2009-04-16.
  5. Menkhorst P. & Knight F. 2001. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
  6. Dewey, T.; Yue, M. (2001). "Macropus rufus (On-Line)". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved April 16, 2009.
  7. "Kangaroo biology". Retrieved 2009-04-16.
  8. "National commercial kangaroo harvest quotas". Retrieved 2009-04-16.
  9. "Kangaroo Industry Assocn of Australia - Background Info". Retrieved 2009-04-16.
  10. "Products" (in English). Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia. Retrieved 2009-12-22.