The giant kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is the second largest species of kangaroo in the world, behind the red kangaroo, as they can reach up to 2 meters in height. These particular animals have many secrets and peculiarities. Will you stay with us to discover in this PlanèteAnimal file the characteristics, habitat and diet of the giant kangaroo?
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Origin
- Oceania
- Australia
Origin of the Giant Kangaroo
These marsupials are native to Australia and they are more common than the famous red kangaroos. They are smaller but much more widespread throughout Australia.
There are two species of giant kangaroos: the eastern and the western, which differ from each other in color and morphology.
Characteristics of the Giant Kangaroo
These kangaroos are one of the largest marsupials in the world, as some specimens can measure up to 2 meters for a weight in males of between 50 and 66 kilograms, with sexual dimorphism, since females weigh barely 17-40 kilos.
The color of their fur is pearl gray, being different between kangaroos that inhabit eastern and western regions, as they have different shades of gray, from dark gray to earthy gray.
Regardless of the color of their fur, these kangaroos have really strong and powerful paws, thanks to which they can reach great speeds. It has been recorded that they can reach 64 km/h and jump great distances.
Like all marsupials, they have a sac called marsupium in which they put their young at birth, they suckle there and finish developing.
Giant Kangaroo Habitat
Giant kangaroos inhabit almost every region of Australia. They are also found on Tasmania Island, Maria Island and Three Hummock Island.
This distribution over so many regions is possible thanks to the great adaptive capacities of these kangaroos, since they inhabit very diverse areas such as scrubland, mountain forests, subtropical forests and even regions where it there are farms. The most common is that they live in regions with frequent rains, although there are also populations that occupy arid areas.
Giant Kangaroo Feeding
Kangaroos are herbivorous animals that feed on almost all existing vegetation in the areas where they live.For example, they tend to turn to young grasses and grasses, which provide them with protein and keep them hydrated. They also feed on the leaves of various plants, certain mushrooms and certain fruits.
The teeth of these animals are very well adapted to the food they eat, featuring molars capable of cutting grass and incisors that allow them to pull grass from the ground.
Reproduction of the giant kangaroo
Females tend to stick with each other, as they form very strong relationships with each other. It is very practical when it comes to childbirth and education, in this way they protect themselves against the possible dangers that threaten them. Females are fertile from 17-20 months, males from 25 months.
They can mate at any time of the year, although most births take place in the summer. To copulate, males usually fight each other and procreate only those who are able to defeat the other.
Grey kangaroos have a very special characteristic, as they are able to freeze the embryos inside, which is called diapause, until the maternal pouch is free for the next kangaroo.
Only one joey (kangaroo baby) will be born at each birth, it will remain in its mother's pouch until it is 550 days old, when it will be weaned and emerge from the pouch.
Giant Kangaroo Pictures
