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Common name:
RED KANGAROOScientific name:
Macropus rufusClass:
MammalsOrder:
MarsupialiFamily:
MacropolidiProvenance:
Australia – Nuova Guinea . Tasmania e isole limitrofiDiet:
herbs – fruitsHabitat:
Steppe and mountainous areasReproduction:
33 days (200 days after leaving the small pouch) -
The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest of all kangaroos, the largest mammal native to Australia, and the largest surviving marsupial. It is found across mainland Australia, avoiding only the more fertile areas in the south, the east coast, and the northern rainforests.
This species is a very large kangaroo with short, red-brown fur, fading to pale buff below and on the limbs. It has long, pointed earlobes and a squared-off muzzle. Females are smaller than males and are blue-grey with a brown tinge, pale grey below, although arid zone females are coloured more like males. It has two forelimbs with small claws, two muscular hind-limbs, which are used for jumping, and a strong tail which is often used to create a tripod when standing upright