They wean their joeys around 13 months and reach heights of two meters: 5 interesting facts about kangaroos
SSPDaily has prepared the five most interesting facts about kangaroos. Learn about the unique capabilities of this animal.
Nocturnal activity
Kangaroos comprise about 45 species, including wallabies. Typically, these amazing animals are most active under the cover of night and in the early morning. Imagine a male red kangaroo - the largest representative of the species, reaching 2 meters in length and weighing 90 kg.
Close-knit family groups
Eastern and western gray kangaroos live in close family groups, known as "mobs". These close-knit groups consist of both males and females.
Females reach reproductive maturity between the third and twelfth year of life, allowing them to expand their families later. Notably, kangaroos live in the wild for an average of 23 years.
Maternal care
Female kangaroos exhibit remarkable maternal care, providing for their offspring. A newborn, just one inch long, spends the first six months in its mother's pouch. After leaving the protective shelter, the joey periodically returns to the pouch for food.
Depending on the species, they gradually lose their dependence on the pouch between the ages of 13 and 18 months. Therefore, female kangaroos raise only one joey, achieving complete independence. However, they possess the exceptional ability to feed two joeys simultaneously - one inside the pouch and the other outside - thanks to their unique dual milk production.
Mastery of the tail
Kangaroos use their hind legs to make small, synchronized steps while grazing and moving around their environment.
Their front legs aid in balance, while their tails support them when bending, pushing, and moving forward. In fact, kangaroos utilize their tails as an additional functional limb.
Natural and human predators
In their habitats, kangaroos encounter various predators. Natural threats such as dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles pose a danger to their survival. However, humans also impact the kangaroo population through widespread hunting.
It is alarming that over the past 30 years, people have shot more than 90 million kangaroos. Due to hunting for valuable skin and meat, these majestic creatures fall victim to commercial purposes. Kangaroo leather is in high demand and widely used in the production of hats and shoes.