A kangaroo is a native Australian animal that is best known for its style of movement, hopping with their hind legs. They are also known for keeping their offspring, 'joeys' in a pouch found on female kangaroos. This unique animal survives on shrubs/grasses and other plants found in various habitats including swamps, grasslands and woodland areas. The majority of kangaroos are found on the island of Australia and some were also deliberately introduced in New Zealand. Some sub species can also be found north of Australia in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
A kangaroo is found on postage stamps, coins and is the official emblem for the Australian airline Qantas. It is also found on the the Australian coat of arms, making it the unofficial animal/symbol of Australia. The 'kangaroos' are also the name of the North Melbourne AFL club and the Australian Rugby League side. Furthermore, the 'wallabies' (a sub species of the kangaroo) is the name for the Australian Rugby Union side and the 'wallaroos' (another sub species) is the name of the Australian Women's rugby side.
The four major species of kangaroos include:
1. Red Kangaroo
- Largest of all types of kangaroos
- Commonly found in Western and Central Australia in open deserts and grasslands, where there may be no more than 800 mm of annual rainfall.
- A red kangaroo can reach speeds of above 35 mph (56 kph).
- Male red kangaroos can weigh up to as much as 90 kg!
- Average lifespan living in the wild can be up to 23 years
2. Eastern Grey Kangaroo
- Has a grey/brown coloured fur unlike the red kangaroo
- Can be found across mainland Australia including the states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.
- Is mainly active during the night time
- Typically survive in areas of high rainfall and at different altitude levels across the country
- Average lifespan in the wild is between 8-10 years.
3. Western Grey Kangaroo
- Unlike Eastern grey kangaroo, more commonly found in Western Australia and South Australia
- Most 'vocal' kangaroos and mother's can communicate with their offspring, joeys, by making a clicking noise.
- Fur is a grey/brown to red/brown colour.
- The male western grey kangaroo is much larger than the female and can reach up to 220 cm from head to tail.
- Live in groups of up to 40 individuals
- Species generally survive in an open woodland/grassland and forests
4. Antilopine Kangaroos
- Species of kangaroo found in northern Australia in Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
- Found in woodlands and open grasslands and generally smaller in size in comparison to the other species of kangaroo
- Generally found in groups of around 30 individual kangaroos
- Diet consists of mostly grasses and other shrubs.
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