Red Kangaroo
Osphranter rufus
Quick answer
The red kangaroo is the largest marsupial on Earth, with big males standing up to 1.8 m (6 ft) tall and weighing up to 90 kg (200 lb). Native to the open plains of mainland Australia, it can hop at speeds over 50 km/h. Wild red kangaroos typically live around 12 to 18 years.
Red Kangaroo facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Osphranter rufus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Arid and semi-arid plains |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years in the wild |
| Weight | Up to 90 kg (200 lb) |
| Top speed | Over 50 km/h (31 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Diprotodontia |
| Family | Macropodidae |
| Genus | Osphranter |
Built to hop
Kangaroos are the only large animals that travel by hopping. Their powerful hind legs and long tendons act like springs, storing and releasing energy so they can cover up to 8 m (25 ft) in a single bound and reach speeds over 50 km/h. The thick, muscular tail works as a fifth limb for balance and support.
Diet and desert survival
Red kangaroos are grazing herbivores adapted to Australia's harsh, dry interior. They feed mostly on grasses and can go long periods with little water, getting much of what they need from plants. They rest in shade during the heat of the day and feed in the cool of dawn and dusk.
Life in the mob
Red kangaroos live in groups called mobs. Males compete for mates by boxing, balancing on their tails to deliver powerful kicks with their hind legs. Females carry a single tiny joey in their pouch, where it nurses and grows for several months before venturing out.
Conservation
Red kangaroos are listed as Least Concern and remain abundant across Australia, with populations that rise and fall with rainfall and drought. They are managed under government programs, and the main conservation focus is keeping that management sustainable.
Frequently asked questions about the Red Kangaroo
How high and far can a kangaroo jump?
Red kangaroos can cover up to about 8 m (25 ft) in a single hop and clear obstacles around 1.8 m (6 ft) high, using their powerful spring-like hind legs.
What do red kangaroos eat?
Red kangaroos are herbivores that graze mainly on grasses and other low plants. They are well adapted to dry conditions and can survive long periods with very little water.
How fast can a kangaroo hop?
Red kangaroos can hop at speeds over 50 km/h (31 mph) and sprint even faster over short distances, making hopping a very efficient way to cross large distances.
Are kangaroos dangerous?
Kangaroos are usually not aggressive, but large males are powerful and can deliver dangerous kicks with their clawed hind legs if cornered or threatened. Wild kangaroos should be given plenty of space.
How big is a baby kangaroo?
A newborn kangaroo, called a joey, is tiny, about the size of a jellybean. It crawls into its mother's pouch to keep developing and nursing for several months before it is ready to leave.
