They Aren’t Just Found in Australia
Although kangaroos are a common sight in Australia, the Land Down Under doesn’t have an exclusive claim to them. They are also indigenous to Tasmania, New Guinea, and other islands in the region. The kind of kangaroo found in New Guinea is called a Tree Kangaroo. It looks like a regular kangaroo, except it’s very small – about the size of a house cat. And, as its name implies, it likes to hang out in trees!
They are Mobsters
Kangaroos are rarely found alone. They like to travel in groups that are known as “mobs.” These mobs don’t just travel around without any organization or structure, either. They almost always have a leader, which is usually the largest male in the group. The leader exerts control over the others with force. He will kick or bite the others into following his lead.
They Don’t Need Much Water
Kangaroos are essentially the Outback version of camels. They need very little water to live and have the remarkable ability to go several months without drinking anything.
There are Many Different Kinds of Kangaroos
There are 47 different species of kangaroo. And just as cats come in a wide variety of various sizes – from the tiniest house cat to a big lion or tiger – so do kangaroos.
Boomers, Flyers, and Joeys, Oh My!
Individual kangaroos have unique names based on whether they are male, female, or babies. Males are known as “Boomers.” Females are referred to as “Flyers.” Babies are called “Joeys.” Newborn Joeys are remarkably small, weighing less than a gram and being only about two centimeters in length. Immediately after birth, a Joey will crawl into its mother’s pouch where it continues to grow for another 7-10 months.
They are Fast!
Kangaroos don’t walk or run. They hop. But that doesn’t slow them down at all. Kangaroos have very powerful hind legs, and they can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. They can also leap over things that are up to 10 feet tall! Kangaroos balance themselves by extending their broad tails as they move around.
They Have a Complicated Digestion Process
Like cows, kangaroos also have stomachs with multiple chambers. And, also like cows, kangaroos regurgitate their food and chew it as cud before swallowing it again to aid the digestion process.
Kangaroos Have Been Around for a Long Time
Ancient species of kangaroos have been found in fossils in Australia. Giant kangaroos – much larger than the today’s red kangaroo – once roamed the land. And on the other end of the scale, fossils of tiny kangaroos with fangs have also been found.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon