Majestic Marsupials

Happy (late) Mother's Day! It's May 10, already! There's only 2-3 weeks left of May, and that means I have to start wrapping up the Australian theme. Based on the comments and requests I've received, here is a quick layout of the next few weeks:

Today, 5/10: Red Kangaroo
Sun 5/17: Wallaby
Sun 5/24: Koala
Sun 5/31: Wrap Up Post

The Wrap Up Post will basically be a quick review of the animals I've blogged about this month, and I'll leave some suggestions and travel tips for these animals, like nice national parks and sights to see. But enough talking, let's get started!

It's Sunday, time for a new post. I asked you guys to comment on what you wanted me to blog on last week, and some said the kangaroo. Since the type of kangaroo wasn't specified, I decided on the most recognizable--the red kangaroo.

Red Kangaroo

Image courtesy of National Geographic

Classification: Mammal (marsupial)
Size: 6.2-8.9 ft / 1.9-2.7 m
Weight: 200 lb / 90 kg
Diet: Herbivorous
Lifespan: 23 years (in the wild)
Appearance: reddish brown; deer-like head; females smaller and have bluish-gray hue
Status: 

Least of concern! Still pretty plentiful. Don't be too careless though, they could potentially become endangered...
Fun Fact: A group of red kangaroos is called a mob.

Just like Kanga and Roo in Winnie the Pooh, red kangaroos are marsupials whose babies stay hidden in their mother's pouches until two months old. Their strong hind legs allow them leap up to 25 feet and jump 6 feet high. Here is a map of where red kangaroos live:

Map from National Geographic

Be warned, though! These kangaroos have quite a powerful punch. But no, they don't only punch with their front legs--they also "box" with their hind legs! This is made possible from their sturdy tail, which they lean on when "boxing" other challengers or enemies. This "boxing" attack is sometimes used when fighting over potential mates, and they may also leave a nasty bite or scratch from their claws. Here is a video of a kangaroos "boxing" (on a suburban street, I know):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyqJX7bU0Ws

Originally posted on Youtube by [Art Fido.com]

Although red kangaroos are far from extinction, a close relative of theirs, the wallaby, has certain species that is starting to slide toward the brink. This is especially true for the rock-wallaby, which can only be found in Australia. Confused about the difference between wallabies and kangaroos now? I will go over the wallaby next week. But for now, here are some ways to ensure the kangaroos don't become endangered.

Love the environment. To ensure the kangaroos stay safe, they need to have a clean habitat. Whether you are a miles away from Australia or not, it is always good to keep the air and grass clean. Mother Nature will love you for it! So Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!

Spread Awareness. Although no awareness is needed to be spread for kangaroos right now, people still need to understand that our actions now won't make them stay forever. Help reduce the amount of trees being cut down, and try to preserve their habitat. Visit local zoos for more information on how to maintain these majestic marsupials.

I'm officially releasing next month's theme: the African Savannah!!! Featuring zebras, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, and much, much more! Since this theme is pretty broad, it'll go throughout June and July. Depending on the progress I make, I may extend it into mid-August, too! 

But before you get all excited for Africa, make sure you don't forget next week's topic: the Wallaby.

Often underestimated in size and confused with the kangaroo, the wallaby may make its final stand against humanity. Find out more about these adorable creatures in next week's WeForWildlife blog post!