Lyla Lindsey
Australia is home to a diverse range of wildlife, but one creature that stands out, quite literally, is the red kangaroo. This iconic marsupial is not just the largest of all kangaroos but also the biggest terrestrial mammal native to the country. With males reaching impressive heights of over 1.8 metres and weights of up to 90 kilograms, it's no wonder that Australians affectionately refer to them as Big Reds. Beyond their size, red kangaroos are an integral part of Australia's ecological identity and Indigenous culture, providing sustenance for both people and other wildlife, such as dingoes. Despite facing threats from human activities and being seen as pests by some, red kangaroos remain a symbol of Australia's unique natural heritage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Red kangaroo |
| Scientific Name | Osphranter rufus |
| Habitat | Across mainland Australia, except for the more fertile areas, such as southern Western Australia, the eastern and southeastern coasts, and the rainforests along the northern coast |
| Population | Over half a million in 2023 |
| Weight | Males: 55-90 kg (121-198 lb); Females: 18-40 kg (40-88 lb) |
| Height | Average: 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in); Large mature males: over 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Length | Males: 2.5-2.9 m (8 ft 2 in - 9 ft 6 in); Females: 1.5-1.9 m (4 ft 11 in - 6 ft 2 in) |
| Diet | Grasses |
| Behaviour | Shy and retiring; Alloparental care; Can communicate with humans |
| Hunting Status | Protected by legislation; Regulated harvest of hide and meat |
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What You'll Learn
Red kangaroos are the biggest land animals in Australia
Red kangaroos are the biggest land animals native to Australia. They are also the largest extant marsupials. Males, known as "Big Reds" by Australians, can grow up to 1.6 metres (5 ft 3 in) in head-and-body length, with a 1.2-metre (3 ft 11 in) tail. The largest recorded male red kangaroo stood at 2.1 metres (6 ft 11 in) tall and weighed 91 kg (201 lb). Females are significantly smaller, with a head-and-body length ranging from 85 to 105 cm (33 to 41 in) and a tail length of 65 to 85 cm (26 to 33 in). Their weight ranges from 18 to 40 kg (40 to 88 lb).
Red kangaroos are found across mainland Australia, excluding more fertile regions like southern Western Australia, the eastern and southeastern coasts, and the rainforests along the northern coast. They are well-adapted to the harsh desert environment, regulating their internal temperature at around 36 °C (97 °F). During hot summers, they remain under shady trees during the day, emerging to feed in the cooler evenings or at night. After rainfall, red kangaroos move to woodlands, where they can find both food and shelter.
Red kangaroos are an integral part of Australia's ecological identity and Indigenous culture. They are a vital food source for Indigenous Australians and hold significant cultural value. According to Indigenous legends, the red kangaroo is one of the spiritual ancestors responsible for creating the landscape and its wildlife. Additionally, red kangaroos play a crucial role in the diet of dingoes, especially during droughts when other prey may be scarce.
Despite their importance, red kangaroos face various challenges. They are sometimes considered pests by farmers, who are permitted to shoot them in certain states. Additionally, they are known to collide with vehicles, often resulting in severe damage or destruction of smaller vehicles. To mitigate these collisions, "kangaroo crossing" signs are common in Australia, and larger vehicles may be fitted with "roo bars" for protection.
Red kangaroos are protected by legislation, but their abundance allows for regulated harvesting of their hide and meat. This practice is controversial, and hunting permits and commercial harvesting are managed through nationally approved plans to maintain sustainable populations.
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They are also the largest extant marsupials
The red kangaroo is the largest extant marsupial. It is also the largest terrestrial mammal native to Australia. The red kangaroo is found across mainland Australia, except for more fertile areas such as southern Western Australia, the eastern and southeastern coasts, and the rainforests along the northern coast.
The red kangaroo is steeped in Indigenous culture and is an important source of food for Indigenous Australians. According to Indigenous legends, the red kangaroo was one of the spiritual ancestors that created the landscape and its wildlife.
Males grow up to a head-and-body length of 1.3–1.6 m (4 ft 3 in – 5 ft 3 in) with a tail that adds a further 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in). Adult males are referred to as "Big Reds" by Australians. Females are considerably smaller, with a head-and-body length of 85–105 cm (33–41 in) and a tail length of 65–85 cm (26–33 in). The average red kangaroo stands approximately 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall to the top of the head in upright posture. The largest confirmed male red kangaroo stood at 2.1 metres tall and weighed 91 kg.
Red kangaroos have the ability to cease breeding during droughts while still being able to suckle young that are already born. This means that the mother does not expend energy continually breeding and trying to keep her young alive. Once the rains come back, females promptly breed within weeks – a cycle that is optimal for the arid environment.
Red kangaroos are an abundant species and have benefited from the spread of agriculture and the creation of man-made waterholes. They are protected by legislation, but their population is also managed through regulated harvesting of their hide and meat.
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Kangaroos are a source of food for Indigenous Australians
The red kangaroo is Australia's largest native land mammal and the largest extant marsupial. It is found across mainland Australia, excluding more fertile areas such as southern Western Australia and the eastern and southeastern coasts. Red kangaroos are an important source of food for Indigenous Australians and hold significant cultural value.
Indigenous Australians have hunted kangaroos for their meat for countless generations, and kangaroo meat has been a staple source of protein for over 40,000 years. The Arrernte people of Central Australia call the kangaroo 'Kere aherre' and have a unique method of preparing the kangaroo for consumption. They remove the milk guts, singe the hair over a fire, skin the kangaroo, and place the carcass in a hole in the ground covered with hot earth and coals. The tail is removed, and the meat is cut to feed as many people as possible. The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara people of Central Australia refer to the kangaroo as 'malu' and primarily hunt them for their meat, 'kuka'.
Kangaroo meat is lean, with approximately 23.2% protein and only 2.6% fat, significantly lower than other meats like beef and lamb. It is also a good source of riboflavin, iron, thiamine, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. The meat is sourced from the four main species of kangaroos harvested in the wild. Hunting permits and commercial harvesting are controlled under nationally approved management plans, which aim to maintain kangaroo populations and manage them as a renewable resource.
The kangaroo industry is worth about $270 million each year and employs over 4,000 people. The meat is exported to over 61 countries and is recognised for its nutritional composition and health benefits. In addition, kangaroo meat is considered environmentally friendly as kangaroos do not require additional land or water for farming, produce little methane, and do not destroy native grasses.
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They are protected by legislation
The largest land animal native to Australia is the red kangaroo, and these distinctive creatures are an iconic symbol of the country. With males, or boomers, standing up to 6 feet tall and weighing over 90 kg, they are an impressive sight. These marsupials are an integral part of Australia's unique wildlife and are protected under legislation to ensure their conservation and the preservation of their habitat.
Protection of the Red Kangaroo
The protection of the red kangaroo is ensured through a range of legislative measures at both the federal and state levels in Australia. These laws recognize the ecological, cultural, and symbolic value of this native species and aim to conserve and, where necessary, recover their populations.
At the federal level, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) lists the red kangaroo as a protected species. This legislation provides a framework for the protection and management of Australia's biodiversity, including threatened species and ecosystems. The EPBC Act makes it an offense to kill, injure, take, trade, or keep a red kangaroo without a permit and sets out penalties and sanctions for non-compliance.
In addition to federal laws, each state and territory in Australia has its own legislation to protect the red kangaroo. For example, in New South Wales, the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 provides for the conservation of native animals, including the red kangaroo, and their habitats. This Act prohibits activities that harm or disturb the species and enables the creation of conservation areas and management plans to protect and recover populations. Similar legislation exists in other states, such as the Nature Conservation Act 1992 in Queensland and the Wildlife Act 1975 in Victoria, which provide further safeguards specific to each state's needs and the distribution of kangaroo populations.
These legislative measures ensure that the exploitation of red kangaroos, whether for commercial, recreational, or cultural purposes, is carefully regulated and controlled. They also enable the implementation of management strategies, such as culling, in a sustainable and ethical manner, recognizing the importance of balancing the species' conservation with the needs and interests of other stakeholders, including Indigenous Australians and farmers.
By enforcing these protections, authorities can take action against illegal activities, such as poaching or habitat destruction, that threaten the survival of the red kangaroo. This may include fines, imprisonment, or other penalties, depending on the severity of the offense and the specific provisions of the relevant legislation.
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Kangaroos are shy and retiring by nature
The red kangaroo is the biggest land animal native to Australia. It is also the largest extant marsupial. Male red kangaroos, referred to as "Big Reds" by Australians, can grow to a height of 1.8–2.1 metres and weigh up to 91 kg.
Female kangaroos, or 'mothers', carry their newborns, known as 'joeys', in a pouch on their abdomen. Joeys weigh as little as 0.03 ounces at birth and remain in the pouch until they are eight months to a year old. Interestingly, female kangaroos have the ability to freeze embryo development until their previous joey is able to leave the pouch. This is an adaptation to ensure the survival of their young in Australia's dry and harsh climate.
Male kangaroos often engage in playful 'boxing' matches to establish dominance or compete for mates. While their forepaws are used for punching and grappling, the real danger lies in their powerful hind legs. Kangaroos can kick with enough force to disembowel an opponent. Despite their shy nature, kangaroos are highly adaptable and resilient creatures. They can travel at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour and leap 30 feet in a single bound.
Unfortunately, kangaroos face various threats due to human activities. Millions of kangaroos are killed annually for the meat and leather industries. They are also used for cruel ''kangaroo boxing' acts and are sometimes shot by farmers as pests. The introduction of domestic herbivores, such as sheep and cattle, has increased competition for food sources and may lead to food scarcity during droughts. Despite these challenges, kangaroos remain an iconic symbol of Australia, revered for their strength, agility, and unique characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
The biggest terrestrial mammal native to Australia is the red kangaroo.
Male red kangaroos, or "Big Reds", can stand over 1.8 metres (5 ft 11 inches) tall and weigh up to 90kg (198 lb). The largest confirmed specimen stood 2.1 metres (6 ft 11 inches) tall and weighed 91kg (201 lb). Females are considerably smaller, standing up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 inches) tall and weighing between 18 and 40kg (40 to 88 lb).
Red kangaroos are found across mainland Australia, excluding more fertile areas such as southern Western Australia, the eastern and southeastern coasts, and the rainforests along the northern coast.
Yes, red kangaroos are a key food source for dingoes and other scavengers, especially during droughts. They are also culturally significant to Indigenous Australians, featuring in legends as spiritual ancestors.
