Macropus rufus

Description

The Red Kangaroo is a very large kangaroo with long, pointed ears and a squared-off muzzle. Males have short, red-brown fur, fading to pale below and on the limbs. Females are smaller than males and are blue-grey with a brown tinge. It has two forelimbs with small claws, two muscular hind-limbs, which are used for jumping, and a strong tail which is often used to create a tripod when standing upright.

Distribution

Found throughout Australia, most commonly found inland.

Oakvale Distribution Maps Red Kangaroo
Red Kangaroo Distribution Map

Lifespan

15 - 20 years.

Size

The Red Kangaroo weighs from 18 - 90 kg. Males are larger than females usually weighing around 65kgs and females rarely exceed 30kgs. The Red Kangaroo height ranges from 74 centimetres to 2 metres tall.

Diet

Grasses and low-lying foliage, feeding mainly at night. They can live for long periods without water, utilising the moisture in their food.

Habitat

Shrub lands, grasslands, mallee scrubs, mulga country and desert.

Breeding

Red Kangaroo females are sexually mature at about eighteen months, males at about two years. There is a single young (Joey), though a mother can nurse more than one Joey at a time.

Red Kangaroo Joeys remain in the pouch for 5 - 6 months. They emerge looking just like their parents just smaller. Over a period of 2 - 3 months, they gradually spend more time away from the pouch, returning to its safety when they feel threatened. Joeys are usually weaned around 1 year of age, but will normally remain close to the mother for another 6 months.

袋鼠 | カンガルー | 캥거루