Red Kangaroo

RED KANGAROO

The red kangaroo is Australia's largest kangaroo of the nearly 60 species in the kangaroo family It is the Kangaroo which dwells in our "Red Center" the arid portion of Australia. They normally move in groups ranging from a few dozen to several hundred individuals. and are known as Mobs . The makeup of the red kangaroo Mob varies but usually consists of a dominant male, a number of adult females, and juveniles of both sexes.

DESCRIPTION

*) Not all Red Kangaroos are RED !!!
There are distinct regional differences in the colouring of the red kangaroo In the eastern part of its range males are usually red (pale red to brick red)and females a bluish grey, elsewhere, both sexes may be reddish/brown

*) The weight of a red kangaroo ranges from 18kg up to 90 kilograms. Males are larger than females usually 65 kg Females rarely exceed 30 kg
*) Height ranges from 74-140cm two metres The tail of a red kangaroo (used for jumping) ranges in length from 64cm to 1 meter Lifespan in the wild is thought to be around 15 years
*) The Red Kangaroo has a naked muzzle (as does the Wallaroo).
They have a black and white mark on the sides of the muzzle and a broad white stripe from the corner of mouth to base of ear
*) The body posture of Red Kangaroos is upright except when feeding.
*) Their fur is velvety to the touch.
*) The front limbs of a red kangaroo are small and short with heavily-clawed digits. The hind feet are lengthened (see the picture to the Left)and powerful enabling
the Red Kangaroo to travel at speeds as fast as 65kph (40mph).

LOCATION / HABITAT
Red kangaroos are distributed throughout inland Australia and occupy mixed habitats of open 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 or so

DESERT SURVIVAL
Red Kangaroos are able to survive temperatures in excess of 40°C by using shade and avoiding activity during the day. Red Kangaroos also concentrate their urine to conserve water and thus can tolerate severe dehydration. They regulate their body temperature largely by panting and licking their forearms.

Spinafex

FEEDING
The red kangaroo grazes during the night on a wide variety of grasses and low herbaceous plants, though sometimes this grazing period starts late evening and ends early morning When water is available it will drink but, if it obtains sufficient green food, it does not need to do so. .

COMMUNICATION

Red Kangaroos will thump the ground with their feet to warn other members of the mob of impending danger, such as a dingo attack.

"BOXING"
When male kangaroos fight, they may appear to be 'boxing'. They usually stand up on their hind limbs and attempt to push their opponent off balance by jabbing him or locking forearms. If the fight escalates, they will begin to kick each other. Using their tail to support their weight, they deliver kicks with their powerful hind legs.