Animal
Red kangaroo
The largest living marsupial, with a tail that helps it balance when hopping.
Idioma del contenido
The red kangaroo is the largest living marsupial. A large male can stand about 1.8 metres tall and weigh up to 90 kilograms. Females are considerably smaller. The species’ name does not describe all individuals equally: males usually have reddish-brown fur, while females are often blue-grey. Powerful hind limbs and a long, thick tail give the animal its distinctive outline.
Its natural habitat is the grassy country of central Australia. It feeds mainly on plants, including grasses and herbs. Feeding times vary with conditions: in cooler periods it may graze during the day, whereas in hot weather it shifts activity to the night and dawn. It usually lives in small groups of females, young and one or more males.
During hopping, the tail helps maintain balance. Together with the strong hind limbs, it forms the basis of the kangaroo’s characteristic movement. The development of its young is equally distinctive: after a short pregnancy, the newborn climbs through its mother’s fur into her pouch. Development continues there for several months. The pouch is therefore more than a temporary resting place; it shelters offspring born at a very early stage.
Para niños
The red kangaroo is the largest living marsupial. Males can be much larger than females and usually have redder fur. Females are often greyish. Both have strong hind legs and a long, thick tail.
When a kangaroo hops, its tail helps it balance. Red kangaroos live in grassy areas of Australia and eat grasses and other plants. In hot weather they more often look for food at night and at dawn, when it is cooler.
A baby kangaroo is born at a very early stage. It climbs through its mother’s fur into the pouch on her belly. There it grows for several months, sheltered as it develops. Kangaroos can be found in small groups, with females often accompanied by young and one or more males.
Pregunta 1 de 2