Red Kangaroo
Macropus rufus
-This species of kangaroo is the largest marsupial in the world, and it's found exclusively in Australia
-Males are typically reddish-brown and females, bluish-gray, though this is not a definitive way to determine sexes
-Thick muscular tails are used as counterbalance to rest the legs or to lean on and kick, and also to aid in quick movement, by putting weight on the tail and swinging the hind legs forward
-Powerful hindquarters enable them to reach speeds of almost 40 mph
-Arid environments have given them diets of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. But in these conditions, the kangaroos have learned to cool themselves through evaporation by licking their forearms
-Boomers (males) may be seen “boxing” over flyers (females)
-Mating Season: year-round (opportunistic breeders)
-Offspring: 1 joey
- Attaches to teat in mother’s pouch for 2 months
- Sticks head out of pouch at 5 months post-birth
- Permanently leaves pouch around 8 months post-birth
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
Keep your eyes open for movement in pouches or heads peeking up all year-round. These Roos will mate and give birth at any time, so look closely.
Macropus rufus
-This species of kangaroo is the largest marsupial in the world, and it's found exclusively in Australia
-Males are typically reddish-brown and females, bluish-gray, though this is not a definitive way to determine sexes
-Thick muscular tails are used as counterbalance to rest the legs or to lean on and kick, and also to aid in quick movement, by putting weight on the tail and swinging the hind legs forward
-Powerful hindquarters enable them to reach speeds of almost 40 mph
-Arid environments have given them diets of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. But in these conditions, the kangaroos have learned to cool themselves through evaporation by licking their forearms
-Boomers (males) may be seen “boxing” over flyers (females)
-Mating Season: year-round (opportunistic breeders)
-Offspring: 1 joey
- Attaches to teat in mother’s pouch for 2 months
- Sticks head out of pouch at 5 months post-birth
- Permanently leaves pouch around 8 months post-birth
HERE AT ALAMEDA:
Keep your eyes open for movement in pouches or heads peeking up all year-round. These Roos will mate and give birth at any time, so look closely.