DJ Geribo

Kangaroos are the world’s largest marsupials and include the Red, Eastern Grey, Western Grey, Antilopine, Common Wallaroo, and the Black Wallaroo. Famous for hopping, kangaroos can reach speeds of 60kph (approx. 37mph). Kangaroos are built with short hair, powerful hind legs, small forelimbs, big feet, and a long tail that is used to balance when hopping as well as used as another limb when moving about. They are good swimmers, and will swim to avoid predators, using their forepaws to drown pursuers.

The female kangaroo, known as a doe or flyer, has a forward-opening pouch where the joey (baby) develops and suckles. The male is called a buck or boomer. Although the majority of kangaroo species are widespread and considered Least Concern, the Black Wallaroo is restricted to the sandstone country in Northern Territory and is considered Near Threatened with extinction.

Kangaroos have few natural predators (dingoes, humans, and a certain species of Eagles) with wild dogs and foxes preying on the young. Although humans typically play a large role in reducing the numbers of a particular species, European settlement has actually been positive by providing permanent water sources and pasture grasses. Their meat continues to be a staple protein source for Aboriginal people across Australia, while their pelts are used in clothing and rugs.