kangaroos

Kangaroos are marsupials belonging to the family Macropodidae, native to Australia and New Guinea. The term is commonly used for the larger hopping species in the genus Macropus, such as the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) and the eastern grey, western grey, and antilopine kangaroos. They are among the most recognizable groups of Australian wildlife.

Physically, kangaroos have large hind legs and feet, a strong tail used for balance, and relatively small forelimbs. They move by hopping, a locomotion that uses powerful leg muscles and elastic tendons to conserve energy over long distances. Depending on the species, they can reach speeds of around 50–60 km/h in short bursts and cover many kilometers in a day.

Kangaroos are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses and other vegetation. They are well adapted to a range of environments, including open plains, woodlands, and semi-arid regions. They obtain much of their water from food and can survive periods of low rainfall.

Reproduction occurs in a pouch-bearing, female animal. After a brief gestation, a tiny joey is born and crawls into the mother's pouch to continue development, nursing from a teat. The joey remains in the pouch for several months and may continue to nurse or ride on the mother’s back for additional time as it grows.

Taxonomically, kangaroos are part of the order Diprotodontia and the suborder Macropodiformes. The family also includes tree kangaroos and wallabies. Most commonly known kangaroos are not currently endangered overall, but some local populations face threats from habitat loss, disease, and hunting in certain regions.