{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "red-kangaroo",
  "name": "Red Kangaroo",
  "scientificName": "Osphranter rufus",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "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.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Diprotodontia",
    "family": "Macropodidae",
    "genus": "Osphranter"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 90,
    "lengthM": 1.6,
    "topSpeedKmh": 70,
    "lifespanYears": 16
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Osphranter rufus"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Herbivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Arid and semi-arid plains"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "12–18 years in the wild"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "Up to 90 kg (200 lb)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Over 50 km/h (31 mph)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "The open plains, grasslands, and deserts of mainland Australia.",
    "continents": [
      "Oceania"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "Ellis, M. et al. (2016). Osphranter rufus. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker's Mammals of the World (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "Animal Diversity Web — Osphranter (Macropus) rufus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.",
      "url": "https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Macropus_rufus/"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/red-kangaroo/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/red-kangaroo/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}