Nothing symbolizes Australia more than the beloved Kangaroo.

The Red Kangaroo, shown above, is Australia's largest living and most prolific marsupial of the nearly 60 species in the kangaroo family and it dwells in Australia's "Red Center" -- the arid portion of Australia. The avalibility of food influences their distribution. They occupy mixed habitats of open shrub lands, grasslands, mallee scrubs, mulga country, and desert --they are exclusively plant-eaters, with a preferred diet of green herbage including grasses and flowering plants.

Red kangaroos are about 6 feet high and weigh about 90 kilograms. The females are a little shorter than the males. They move in groups (known as Mobs) ranging from a few dozen to several hundred individuals.

Not all Red Kangaroos are red. There are distinct regional differences in the colouring of the red kangaroo. In the eastern part of its range, for example, males are usually red (pale red to brick red)and females a bluish grey. Elsewhere, both sexes may be reddish/brown in coloration.

The Red roo is approximately 5 feet long and has a tail that is about 42 inches long. This tail is used as a balance mechanism. Red Kangaroos can't walk and are limited to hopping as a means of locomotion. However, they are able to jump 29 feet in distance and 6 feet in height. For short periods they can attain a speed of 35 mph.

The body posture of Red is upright except when feeding.

Red Kangaroo females are sexually mature at about eighteen months, males at about two years. There is a single young Joey.

Young kangaroos are born partially developed after 30-40 days. They are born hairless and blind and, immediately after birth, they crawl up the outside of the mother kangaroo to the pouch. Once there they start eating. For the next 225 days or so they eat, sleep, and mature until they finally start leaving their protective pouch to explore the world. Over a period of 2 to 3 months they gradually spend more time away from the pouch, returning to its safety when they feel threatened. Joeys are usually weaned around 1 year of age but will normally remain close to the mother for another 6 months or so.

They are able to survive temperatures in excess of 40°C (104°F) by using shade and avoiding activity during the day. Red Kangaroos concentrate their urine to conserve water and thus can tolerate severe dehydration.

Like all roos, the Reds will thump the ground with their feet to warn other members of the mob of an approaching danger.

Of all the marsupials only kangaroos are bipeds, moving more naturally on two legs than four. Their foreshortened upper limbs terminate in clawed paws used with great dexterity in eating, grooming, and self-defense. Their most powerful method of defense is to kick with their strong hind legs.

The Red's primary predators are the Dingo and humans. Sheep farmers, in particular, will often shoot kangaroos on sight -- they are considered menaces because they compete for forage with livestock although there is some controversy about this. It is true that in areas where vegetation is limited kangaroos may reduce local forage significantly.

These shy animals live about 6 years in the wild and up to 20 in captivity

Status:
IUCN Status: Endangered

The red kangaroo is threatened as overseas manufactures have began to demand the Kangaroo skin for leather goods.

Sources:

Animal Diversity Web

Unique Australian Animals

The Big Zoo.com