Red Kangaroo
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| Macropus rufus Desmarest, 1822 |
The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest of all kangaroos and the largest surviving marsupial. It is found across mainland Australia, avoiding only the more fertile areas in the south, the east coast, and the northern rainforests.
This species is a very large kangaroo with short, red-brown fur, fading to pale buff below and on the limbs. It has long, pointed earlobes and a squared-off muzzle. Females are smaller than males and are blue-grey with a brown tinge, pale grey below, although arid zone females are coloured more like males. It has two appendages with small claws (much like arms), two muscular legs, which are used for jumping, and a tail, which is often used like a third leg for balance. The Red Kangaroo's legs cannot move separately, meaning the animal is restricted to "hopping" everywhere. Although, when the Red Kangaroo swims, it gains the ability to move its legs independently. The Red Kangaroo is one of the largest marsupials. The males, or boomers, can grow up to six feet (1.82 meters) tall.
Red Kangaroo's legs work much like a rubber band. The male Red Kangaroo can leap in full force approximately 30 feet (9.14 meters) in one leap. Due to this length and speed of the leap, the male kangaroos must shrink the size of their scrotum to not damage their testes during their leap.[citation needed]
The Red Kangaroo inhabits most of the dry inland of the central part of Australia in small groups called mobs. It prefers open plains where trees and bushes are scarce.
The Red Kangaroo prefers to eat grasses and other vegetation. It can go long periods of time without water, as long as it has access to green plants as they have the ability to take moisture out of plants.
The Red Kangaroo is nocturnal and crepuscular, and largely spends the daylight hours sleeping or otherwise relaxing.
The Red Kangaroo's range of vision is approximately 300 degrees due to the position of their eyes. A human's range of vision is around 180 degrees in comparison.
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.
- Length: males: to 1.8 m, females to 1.1 m. Tail up to 1 m.
- Weight: males to 85 kg, females to 35 kg.
- Alternative names: The female is also known as a Blue Flyer. The male is also known as a Boomer. Macropus rufus is from the Latin for: "big foot" and "red".
- Range: Arid and semi-arid central Australia
[edit] References
- Australasian Marsupial & Monotreme Specialist Group (1996). Macropus rufus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
- Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 66. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
- zoo educators at the Good Zoo at Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV
[edit] External links
