Red kangaroos
The largest of all marsupials, the red kangaroo covers long distances by hopping on its powerful hind legs. It is a symbol of Australia's dry interior.
- Longitud
- 1–1,6 m
- Peso
- 20–90 kg
- Esperanza de vida en libertad
- 8–12 años
- Estado de conservación (UICN)
- Preocupación menor (LC)
Las cifras son aproximadas para adultos y varían según el sexo, la subespecie y la población.
De un vistazo
Los datos clave sobre Canguros rojos.
- Where does it live?It lives in the arid and semi-arid grasslands, open plains and shrublands of inland Australia.
- What does it eat?It is a herbivore that eats grass and other green plants.
- Behaviour and social lifeRed kangaroos live in loose groups called mobs.
- JoeysAfter a short pregnancy of about 33 days, the female gives birth to a tiny, hairless young.
En detalle
En resumen
- The red kangaroo is the largest living marsupial.
- It moves by hopping on its powerful hind legs; its tail provides balance.
- It is a herbivore that needs little water.
- The joey grows for months in its mother's pouch after birth.
- The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
The red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) is the largest living marsupial. Males usually have reddish-brown fur, while females are often more bluish-grey. Its powerful hind legs and long, thick tail let it move by hopping.
Where does it live?
It lives in the arid and semi-arid grasslands, open plains and shrublands of inland Australia.
What does it eat?
It is a herbivore that eats grass and other green plants. Thanks to the moisture in plants, it can go a long time without drinking. It rests in the shade during the hottest hours and feeds when it is cooler.
Behaviour and social life
Red kangaroos live in loose groups called mobs. Males "box" for the right to mate with females, rising up on their hind legs, leaning on their tails and kicking. Hopping is energy-efficient at high speeds.
Joeys
After a short pregnancy of about 33 days, the female gives birth to a tiny, hairless young. It climbs into the pouch on its own, attaches to a teat and grows there for months. Females can pause an embryo's development until conditions are right.
Conservation status
The red kangaroo is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Its numbers vary greatly from year to year depending on rainfall. In Australia it is subject to a regulated management programme.
Fun facts
- A baby kangaroo is called a joey.
- Kangaroos cannot walk backwards.
- A female can have a young joey out of the pouch, a joey in the pouch and a paused embryo at the same time.
Animales similares
Otros animales del mismo grupo.
Respeto por la naturaleza, mañanas más fuertes
Proteger la fauna silvestre es responsabilidad de todos.
Si encuentras un animal silvestre herido o una cría, no lo toques y avisa a la autoridad local de protección de la naturaleza. Más conocimiento, más conciencia.
- Respeta los hábitats naturales
- Observa a los animales desde lejos
- No dejes basura en la naturaleza
- Apoya un futuro sostenible
