Macropods are marsupial mammals that belong to the Macropodidae family. The word macropod literally means “big foot.”
The family is made up of Kangaroos and Wallabies in the Kimberley. They are herbivores, and like grazing on grasses and sedges.
Macropods have become specially adapted to the Australian environment. Their very strong hind limbs, tail and ‘hop’ is a very energy efficient way of movement. This allows travel at good speed over long distances. Essential for survival is a country with highly variable climate and relatively low nutrients like Australia.
|
“What’s in Your Backyard?”
Back to index |
 |
|
Kimberley Toad Busters |
| Key characteristics to look for when identifying species:
• Size
• Shape of nose
• Markings on back, face or tail
• Habitat
• Colour
There are 10 species of Macropods in the Kimberley.
|
“What’s in Your Backyard?” |
| community photo |
|
Macropod 1 |
|
|
|
Kimberley Toad Busters |
Red Kangaroo
Macropus rufus
Length: Body 70 -150 cm; Tail 60-100 cm
Weight: 17–85 kg
Distinguishing features: One of largest
living marsupials; distinct squarish snout
with pale/cream freckled patches around muzzle; broad pale cheek stripe;
|
 |
short dense fur, usually rusty red above;females more grey with lighter below; gregarious. Can live up to 20 years.
Diet: Grasses, herbs
Habitat: Open woodland, grassland, desert
Refs:Cronin L. RE “Cronin’s Key Guide Australian Mammals”
Jones C. & Parish S. RE “Field Guide to Australian Mammals”
|
| .© Australian Wildlife Conservancy |
|
|
|
Kimberley Toad Busters |
Antilopine Wallaroo
Macropus antilopinus
Length: Body 70-120 cm; Tail 60-90 cm
Weight: 16 – 60 kg
Distinguishing features: Long, fine fur
with a scruffy/woolly look. Colour highly
variable from reddish sandy brown to blue grey above and pale cream/white
|
 |
underneath. Paws black. Nose is naked and relatively short and thick white with grey pigment. Gregarious, lives in small mobs.
Diet: Grasses, herbs
Habitat: Woodlands, shrublands
Refs: Cronin L. RE “Cronin’s Key Guide Australian Mammals”
Jones C. & Parish S. RE “Field Guide to Australian Mammals”
|
