Red Kangaroo ( Macropus rufus )
Red Kangaroo - Red Kangaroo information - Red Kangaroo facts, pictures, photos
The Red Kangaroo is spread all around Australia. As its name already reveals it has got red-brownish colored fur, strong and powerful legs with sharp claws. Males reach length of 1.16m (46 inches) while females are a little bit smaller. Their length is up to 100 cm (39 inches) with a tail of 0.9 meters (33 inches). Males weigh up to 66 kg (145 lb) while females 27 kg (58 lb) on average.
Kangaroos inhabit a huge territory throughout Australia. Their food mainly consists of grass and water. They can be found on deserts with bushes and on plains. Watching them jumping / hoping is a great experience for every person. Macropus Rufus is also the largest marsupial mammal in the world. Its speed is also very remarkable – 40 km per hour (25 mph). Its leap can measure up to 8 meters (26 feet) with the height of 3 meters (9 feet). When running its tail does an inevitable balance to small head and heavy shoulders.
Single young is born after a gestation period of approximately 33 days. Breeding usually occurs when there is enough food provided. Their diet consists mainly from grass. This means that the female is able to hold a fertilized egg in her womb till suitable conditions are made. Small young (a “joey”) spends its first year in the mother’s pouch. At the age of 2, the red kangaroos are fully matured, although still small. They grow throughout their entire life, which generally lasts about 22 years.
Macropus rufus usually spends its life in small groups called mobs. In case of danger they protect themselves with their powerful hindfeet with knife-sharp claws. They can also use their hands as well. In this case it looks like boxing.
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