Irrawaddy dolphin vs red kangaroo

Orcaella brevirostris compared with Macropus rufus

Key Differences

• Irrawaddy dolphin is Endangered while red kangaroo is Least Concern.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Irrawaddy dolphin	red kangaroo
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Cetacea (Whales & Dolphins)	Diprotodontia (Marsupials)
Family	Delphinidae (Oceanic Dolphins)	Macropodidae (Kangaroos)
Genus	Orcaella	Macropus (Kangaroos)
Species	Orcaella brevirostris	Macropus rufus

Evolutionary Relationship

Irrawaddy dolphin and red kangaroo share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (Mammals)

Conservation Status

Irrawaddy dolphin

EN — Endangered

red kangaroo

LC — Least Concern

Population: ~11.5M

Trend: Stable →

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Irrawaddy dolphin	red kangaroo
Diet	—	Herbivore
Average Lifespan	—	16 years
Average Length	—	1.6 m
Average Weight	—	85.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

Irrawaddy dolphin

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

red kangaroo

Habitat

Typically found in grasslands, forests, and vegetated habitats.

Range

Found in Australia.

red kangaroo

The largest kangaroo and largest marsupial on Earth, red kangaroos can stand 2 meters tall and weigh 90 kg, inhabiting the arid and semi-arid regions of inland Australia. Highly adapted to harsh desert conditions, they can survive without drinking water for long periods by extracting moisture from vegetation. Powerful hind legs enable 9-meter leaps and speeds up to 70 km/h. Males engage in ritualistic boxing contests to compete for females.