The picture shows a Red Kangaroo in Melbourne zoo
Description
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. Arid zone females are usually coloured more like males.
It has two forelimbs with small claws, two muscular hindlimbs, which are used for jumping, and a strong tail which is often used to create a tripod when standing upright.
Interesting Facts
The Red Kangaroo maintains its internal temperature at a point of homeostasis about 36°C (96.8°F) using a variety of physical, physiological and behavioural adaptations. These include having an insulating layer of fur, being less active and staying in the shade when temperatures are high, panting, sweating, and licking its forelimbs.
Normal Habitat
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.
Predators
The Red Kangaroo's range of vision is approximately 300° due to the position of its eyes. A human's range of vision is around 180°. It uses this visual advantage to flee speedily away from anything or anybody it fears.
Habitat
Macropus rufus (The Red Kangaroo) occurs over most of the dry, inland, central part of Australia. This expansive area includes scrubland, shrubland, grassland, and desert habitats. Its native habitat is usually a large area.
Diet
It can easily cover a lot of ground and feeds often on the small amounts of food it finds. It is a herbivore (Plant Foods)
It feeds on leaves; wood, bark, or stems.\
Endangered?
Macropus rufus is not considered endangered. Nearly 3 million square miles of Australian territory now lies within the boundaries of excellent national parks. All Australian states regulate the hunting of kangaroos.
Back to Australian Deserts
