🦘

red kangaroo

Macropus rufus

Least Concern →
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
16 years
Length
1.6 m
Weight
85.0 kg
Population
11.5M
Trend
→ Stable

About

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.

Fun Facts

  • ✨ Kangaroos cannot walk backward.
  • ✨ Joeys are born the size of a grape.
  • ✨ They can survive months without drinking water.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in grasslands, forests, and vegetated habitats.

🌾 Savanna 🌿 Grassland 🏜️ Desert

Found in Australia.

🇦🇺 Australia

Diet & Behavior

🌿
Herbivore
red kangaroo is classified as herbivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🌿 Herbivore
Plant matter 100%

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern
Estimated Population
11.5M
Population Trend
→ Stable

Full Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia (Animals)
Phylum
Chordata (Chordates)
Class
Mammalia (Mammals)
Order
Diprotodontia (Marsupials)
Family
Macropodidae (Kangaroos)
Genus
Macropus (Kangaroos)
Species
Macropus rufus (red kangaroo)

Names in Other Languages

German Rotes Riesenkänguruh

Similar Species in Macropus

🦘
black-striped wallaby
Macropus dorsalis
Least Concern
🦘
parma wallaby
Macropus parma
Near Threatened
🦘
red-necked wallaby
Macropus rufogriseus
Least Concern
🦘
tammar wallaby
Macropus eugenii
Least Concern
View all species in Macropus →

Explore More

ki…
Animals
Kingdom
ph…
Chordates
Phylum
cl…
Mammals
Class
or…
Marsupials
Order
fa…
Kangaroos
Family
ge…
Kangaroos
Genus
🌾
Savanna
Habitat
🌿
Grassland
Habitat
🏜️
Desert
Habitat

Compare Species

vs black-striped wallaby vs parma wallaby vs red-necked wallaby vs tammar wallaby

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of red kangaroo?
The scientific name of red kangaroo is Macropus rufus. It belongs to the genus Macropus.
What is the conservation status of red kangaroo?
red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. The population trend is stable.
Where does red kangaroo live?
red kangaroo is found in Found in Australia.. Countries include Australia.
What family does red kangaroo belong to?
red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) belongs to the genus Macropus, which is part of the taxonomic family Macropodidae.
What does red kangaroo eat?
red kangaroo is herbivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.
How long does red kangaroo live?
red kangaroo has an average lifespan of approximately 16 years in the wild.
How many red kangaroo are left in the wild?
The estimated wild population of red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is approximately 11,500,000 individuals.
Is red kangaroo endangered?
No, red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.

Native Range — 1 Countries

View all 1 countries →

Genus Macropus — 5 Species

🦘
black-striped wallaby
Macropus dorsalis
LC 🦘
parma wallaby
Macropus parma
NT
🦘
red kangaroo
Macropus rufus
LC
🦘
red-necked wallaby
Macropus rufogriseus
LC 🦘
tammar wallaby
Macropus eugenii
LC
View all →

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