What kind of animal is a kangaroo?

The kangaroo is a marsupial from the family Macropodidae (macropods, meaning “large foot”). In common use the term is used to describe the largest species from this family, the red kangaroo, as well as the antilopine kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, and western grey kangaroo. Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia and New Guinea.

What are the physical characteristics of a kangaroo?

Kangaroos possess powerful hind legs, a long, strong tail, and small front legs. Kangaroos belong to the animal family Macropus, literally “big foot.” Thanks to their large feet, kangaroos can leap some 30 feet (9 meters) in a single bound, and travel more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour.

Where do grey kangaroos live in Australia?

The range of the eastern grey kangaroo extends from the top of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland down to Victoria, as well as areas of southeastern Australia and Tasmania. Population densities of eastern grey kangaroos usually peak near 100 per km 2 in suitable habitats of open woodlands.

Are Kangaroos dangerous to humans?

Kangaroos are shy and retiring by nature, and in normal circumstances present no threat to humans. In 2003, Lulu, an eastern grey which had been hand-reared, saved a farmer’s life by alerting family members to his location when he was injured by a falling tree branch.

Are Kangaroos of Least Concern?

The remainder of the species are widespread, common and considered of Least Concern. Like all marsupials, kangaroos have pouches where the joeys are reared, drinking milk from mammary glands.

Where do red kangaroos live in Australia?

Red Kangaroos are found over most of arid Australia, preferring flat open plains. Eastern Greys are found from Cape York to Tasmania; Western Greys have an equally wide distribution, from Western Australia to Victoria (both species prefer denser vegetation).