Red Kangaroo

Red Kangaroo

Red Kangaroos are semi-nomadic and can be found across most areas of Central Australia. They show a preference for open plains where shade trees are available such as Mulga and Mallee Shrub.  They feed on grasses and other small plants, mostly at night, but also in the early morning and late evening.  Although considered common, numbers can drop in times of drought.  During these times they may have to compete with sheep and cattle for food and may also fall prey to dingoes as rabbit populations decline.    

Red Kangaroos breed all year round. Females give birth to a single jelly bean-sized ‘joey’, around 33 days after mating which will climb up its mother’s belly and into the pouch where it begins to suckle from one of the teats. It remains attached and the milk changes to meet its needs as it grows. At 3 months old the joey begins to leave the pouch for short periods, when the mother will usually give birth again. The joeys are independent at 8 months old.

Did you know?

  • Red Kangaroos are not always red! Males range in colour from pale red to reddish-brown. Females are usually a bluish grey
  • They can jump up to 9 metres in length and 3 metres in height, and can reach speeds of over 60 kph.
  • Females are able to put their pregnancy on hold until conditions are suitable to give birth. This is called ‘Embryonic diapause’
  • Females can produce two kinds of milk: one from the teat that the newborn selects, and one from the teat used by the older joey.
Class
Mammalia
Order

Diprotodontia

Family

Macropodidae

Species Name

Macropus rufus

Status

Common