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Kangaroos
are found indigenous only in mainland Australia and New
Guinea and on some of their offshore islands, such as
Tasmania.
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Many
species are drably colored to closely match their
surroundings, helping them to hide from predators.
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Most
kangaroos are herbivores, or plant-eaters. The larger
species, such as the red kangaroos and gray kangaroos, are
grazers, feeding on grasses and other vegetation in open
forests and savannas.
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Red
kangaroos can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh more than 198
pounds.
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Red
kangaroos moving at top speeds can cover a distance of
almost 30 feet in a single leap and jump 6 feet high.
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Red
kangaroos are able to reach speeds of more than 30 miles
per hour for short periods.
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The
kangaroo's heavy, muscular tail serves as a counterbalance
and a rudder during hopping, and provides support when the
animal sits.
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The
life span of the larger kangaroos ranges from 12 to 18
years in the wild, but this is greatly influenced by
climate and food supply. In captivity, large kangaroos are
known to live as long as 28 years.
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How
did the Kangaroo get its name? It is believed that
when European explorers first saw this strange hopping
animal, they asked a native Australian (Aborigine) what
they were called. The native replied “Kangaroo”
meaning “I don’t understand your question”. The
explorers thought this was the animal’s name.
