This champion jumper survives in one of the toughest areas of Australia. Powerful legs propel the eastern gray kangaroo through the wilderness and help it escape danger. A night feeder, the animal stays on a steady search for food, using its unusual teeth to tear away at thick vegetation. The kangaroo's long legs make it a great long jumper, but the creature will also use them as weapons. Rival kangaroos fight it out during mating season.
Long-Jump Champ: The gray kangaroo's long hind legs and feet are powered by tendons that run from its hips to its toes. The tendons stretch like rubber bands when the 'roo crouches, then help the animal spring forward in leaps up to 45 feet long!
Rip Fangs: The gray kangaroo's bottom front teeth are long and sharp, like fangs, and point forward. This helps the animal pierce and tear tough eucalyptus leaves and acacia shrubs.
An Amazing Tail[]
The gray kangaroo's large muscular legs and tail are ideal for hopping.
The eastern gray kangaroo's tail is key to this creature's survival. Not only does the 'roo's tail give the creature balance, but it can also be used like a rudder. Swinging the tail to the side helps the kangaroo change direction in mid-leap and avoid danger. When grazing on all fours, this animal uses its muscular tail as an extra leg, propping its body up with the tail and scooting forward with its hind legs. The kangaroo's tail is strong enough to support the animal's entire body weight.
Tree House: Gray kangaroos feed out in open plains, but they almost always live near trees. The temperatures in their Australian habitat can reach a scorching 104°F, and the creatures would overheat if they couldn't retreat into the shade that trees provide during the day.
In This Corner: This animal hops away from predators, but stands up to rivals of its own species. When fighting over females, males grab each other with their front paws and kick each other in the stomach until one slinks away in defeat.
Break Down[]
The gray kangaroo is a great survivor in a harsh habitat. Part of the reason is that the animal can go several weeks without taking a sip of water. The kangaroos get much of the water they need from their food. Bacteria in the kangaroo's stomach help break down grasses and leaves and separate nutrients and water that the animal requires to survive.
Trivia[]
- The front illustration is also used in the Wildlife Explorer series, for the Eastern Gray Kangaroo's profile. Like most shared images, the main difference is the removal of terrain.
- The image of the kangaroo hopping on the back is also used in the Wildlife Explorer card.