Red Kangaroo

Description

Males have a reddish-brown coat, while females are usually bluish-grey. Both are lighter whitish underneath. They have a narrow head, long nose and long, pointed ears. They have shortened upper limbs with claws. They have powerful hind and Z-shaped legs and a strong tail which they use to help balance the body while jumping. 

Behaviour

They live in small groups called mobs. Kangaroos are marsupials, giving birth after 33 days of gestation. The offspring is very immature at birth, and will climb up to the marsupium where it will continue to develop fully. Females stay with their natal group, but males leave when they reach maturity. The red kangaroo lives up to 22 years in the wild.

Interesting Facts

It is the iconic Australian animal of the arid zone and is the largest living marsupial in the world. The red kangaroo's leaps can reach 3m in height and over 10m in length. It has the ability to survive when water is scarce. The grass and foliage it eats provides its water needs as well as its nutritional requirements. Its only predator is the dingo.