Order: Diprotodontia Prev. Marsupialia
Family: Macropodidae
Genus & Species: Macropus giganteus
APPEARANCE
The eastern grey kangaroo looks much like its relative the red kangaroo,
although it is slightly smaller. Eastern greys grow to a height of 5-6 ft
(1.5-1.8 m), with a weight of 135 lbs (60 kg) for the males and 72 lbs (32 kg)
for the females. They have a small head with large ears, and a strip of
light-coloured fur runs down the muzzle, separating the nostrils. The fur is
generally steely grey and is courser and curlier than that of the western grey.
The colour varies from grey to brown with white underparts, legs, and
underside of tail. The tail is 4 ft (1.2 m) in length and is very strong. It is
used for balance while running fast and as a prop while standing upright.
The hind legs are muscular and well-suited for hopping. The hind feet are 18
in (56 cm) long and are very broad. In contrast, the forelegs are short and
end in small, hand-like feet with five digits that are used for grasping
objects. All females have a pouch that hold the young as they begin to
mature. Females and joeys communicate with a series of squeaks and
clucks, and the males with a series of coughs and grunts emitted while
fighting.
Eastern greys are excellent jumpers, being able to leap distances of 30 ft (9
m) in a single bound. They can obtain speeds of 30 mph and use up less
energy the faster they go. When walking slowly, they crawl on all fours.
Female eastern greys are called fliers, the young are called joeys, and the
males are called boomers.
Eastern greys have a great sense of smell and sight, and can swivel their ears
to lock onto a sound coming from a certain direction. Eastern grey
kangaroos have a life span of 18 years.
HABITAT
Eastern grey kangaroos are found in the grasslands and open woodlands
throughout most of the eastern provinces of Australia, including the island
of Tasmania. They live in social units known as mobs; many mobs graze
together. A mob consists of a mature male, which acts as the leader, as well
as 2-3 younger males and 2-3 females with their joeys.
Eastern greys feed mainly at night and in the cool of the morning and
evening. During the heat of the day they rest in the shade or dig holes in the
earth in which they sleep.
FOOD
Eastern grey kangaroos are herbivores and browse on shrubs, spinifex, and
leaves. They also graze upon grass and herbs, often alongside sheep and
cattle in farmers' fields. They do not require much water or nitrogen from
grass.
ENEMIES
Eastern grey kangaroos have few enemies besides dingos. Because of their
habit to jump farmers' fences and feed on their grazing land, they are shot
in large numbers. Fortunately, they are in no immediate danger of
extinction, having a population of close to 2 million.
When an eastern grey senses danger nearby, it will thump the ground with
its hind legs to warn the rest of the mob.
BREEDING
Eastern greys reach sexual maturity around 1.5-2 years of age. The breeding
season is from spring to early summer. The joey is born after an extremely
short gestation period of 30-38 days, and emerges from the birth canal only
1 in (2.5 cm) in length and weighing ½ oz (1 g). It then crawls into the
pouch and grabs hold of a teat, and stays in the pouch for 300 days. Even
after it has left the pouch, it will continue to nurse until 18 months old.
RELATIVES
The eastern grey kangaroo is closely related to the western grey kangaroo.
RESOURCES CITED
1. Funk & Wagnall's Wildlife Encyclopedia "Kangaroo" pg 1173, vol 10,
1974, USA, BPC Pub Ltd.
2. "Grey Kangaroo" Wildlife Fact File, USA, IM Pub Inc
3. www.sfzoo.org/map/.kangaroo.html
4. www.streetnet.com.au/wires/3121.htm
5. www.panda.org/kids/wildlife/kanggrey.htm
6. www.koala.net/animals/mammals/marsupials/macropod/ easterngrey.htm
7. www.kangaroocenter.com/easterngrey.html
8. www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/kurtwood/336/aussie.html
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