Red Kangaroo

Written by Pookas Kreations

The red kangaroo is the largest of all kangaroos, the largest mammal, and marsupial native to Aquatica. They mostly live on Sylvania or Animus, but are avid swimmers and have spread to other lands over the years.

Basic Information

Anatomy

This species is a very large kangaroo with long, pointed ears and a square-shaped muzzle. Males are usually larger than females, they usually have reddish-brown fur, fading to tan below and on the limbs. Females are smaller and are blue-grey with a brown tinge, pale grey below. Coloring all depends on location, in arid areas they both have similar fur color. Red kangaroos have two forelimbs with small claws, two muscular hind-limbs for jumping and a strong tail which is used for balancing, it also often acts as a third leg.

Biological Traits

It is hard to surprise a kangaroo because of the placement of their eyes, this gives them a 300-degree vision. They are crepuscular (active during the periods of dawn and dusk) and nocturnal, resting in shade during the hottest times of the day.

Growth Rate & Stages

"Joeys" are undeveloped at birth and completely helpless, they must remain in their mother's' protective pouch on her lower abdomen for months before safely emerging.

Ecology and Habitats

Any land, but prefer to live on the plains or scrubland of Animus or Sylvania.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Kangaroos are vegetarians, mostly eating grass, grain heads and herbaceous growth of the plains. They particularly like eating plants in the sunflower and amaranth family. They mostly live in arid areas, so get most of their water from the plants they eat.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Red kangaroos live in groups of 2-4 members, most commonly the mother and her young. Larger groups can be found in areas with plentiful food, these usually include mated pairs. The population of these groups is flexible, pairs coming and going as they please. Fighting usually only occurs during the mating season. They can live in large "mobs", groups of up to 150 members.

Domestication

Some red kangaroos have been trained as livestock guards. They are very alert and can drive off even the most determined predator.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Because of their tough hide, it is often harvested for use in leather goods. They are also killed for their lean and tasty meat. Their tail is often compared to a beaver's.

Facial characteristics

This species is a very large kangaroo with long, pointed ears and a square-shaped muzzle. They have two forelimbs with small claws, two large muscular hindlimbs, that are used for jumping and a strong tail used for balancing and at times for a third leg.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Red kangaroos are found on most continents of Aquatica.

Average Intelligence

Average human intelligence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lowlight vision, scent

"A little-known fact is that the red kangaroo has a weak anabolic poison in the claws of its hind legs."

At times, red kangaroos gather in large numbers, in areas of plentiful food, these groups can number up to 1500 individuals.

Genetic Descendants

• Kangu

Scientific Name

Macropus rufus

Lifespan

20 years.

Average Height

6 ft.

Average Weight

200 lbs.

Average Length

36-44 inch tail.

Average Physique

Tall and muscular.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their fur can be of any shade of red, brown, grey or black. At times they even have stripes or patches. Females often have a blue tint to their fur.Their fur is usually straight and dense, but can also be curly.

A red kangaroo can reach speeds of over 35 mph (50 ft speed), this allows them to cover 25 feet in a single leap and to jump 6 feet high. Females are smaller, lighter and faster than males.