Beyond the story
Meet the world’s largest marsupial
The red kangaroo, Osphranter rufus, is the largest living marsupial—a mammal whose tiny newborn develops in its mother’s pouch. Males are often reddish, while females are commonly grey. Australia has several kangaroo species, so not all kangaroos look or live alike.
Where is home?
Red kangaroos range across dry and semi-dry mainland Australia. They favour open country, from grasslands to shrublands and light woodland. Their landscape can change dramatically as rain brings fresh growth and drought reduces the supply of food.
A life in the wild
Grasses and leaves form their plant-based diet. A newborn joey is extraordinarily small, making its way into the pouch to continue growing. Red kangaroo joeys usually remain in the pouch for around eight months before they begin spending time outside.
A future worth protecting
Keeping large areas of native habitat healthy benefits kangaroos and the other wildlife sharing their home. Conservation here includes caring for whole landscapes, not only rare species.
Wildlife facts and further reading:
Australian Museum · Red kangaroo (opens in a new tab)Australian Wildlife Conservancy · Red kangaroo (opens in a new tab)
