Red Boomer

The red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest surviving marsupial anywhere in the world. The Red Kangaroo occupies the arid and semi-arid centre... more

by Miroslava Jurcik

Title

Red Boomer

Artist

Miroslava Jurcik

Medium

Photograph

Description

The red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest surviving marsupial anywhere in the world. The Red Kangaroo occupies the arid and semi-arid centre of the country. The highest population densities of the Red Kangaroo occur in the rangelands of western New South Wales. Red kangaroos are commonly mistaken as the most abundant species of kangaroo, but eastern greys actually have a larger population. A large male can be 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall and weigh 90 kg (200 lb). It is a macropod which means "big foot". A male kangaroo is called bucks, boomers, jacks, or old men
A female kangaroo is called a flyers or jills
A baby kangaroo is called a joey
The word kangaroo derives from the Guugu Yimithirr (Aboriginal tribe) word gangurru, referring to grey kangaroos. The Kangaroo moves by hopping on its powerful hind legs. It uses its thick long tail to balance its body while hopping. A kangaroo can hop at up to 60kmh (40mph). It can also leap over obstacles up to 3m (10ft) high. Because of the unusual shape of its legs and its bulky tail a kangaroo can't walk or move backwards very easily. Kangaroos are found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea.
They are grazing animals that eat grass, young shoots and leaves of heath plants and grass trees. Kangaroos need very little water to survive and are capable of going for months without drinking at all.
The kangaroo usually rests in the shade during the day and comes out to eat in the late afternoon and night when its much cooler. Red kangaroos live in groups of 2￿4 members. The most common groups are females and their young. Larger groups can be found in densely populated areas and females are usually with a male. Membership of these groups is very flexible, and males are not territorial, fighting only over females that come into heat. Males develop proportionately much larger shoulders and arms than females. Most agonistic interactions occur between young males, which engage in ritualised fighting known as boxing. Compared to other kangaroo species, fights between red kangaroo males tend to involve more wrestling. Displaced males live alone and avoid close contact with others.

Uploaded

September 29th, 2014