The Eastern Gray Kangaroo is an Australian marsupial. Its size varies between 1.5 to 2.7 metres (60 to 108 in.) including the tail, its weight varies from 32 to 66 kg (70 to 145 lbs). The silver grey fur is an almost even body coloration. The ears seem large for the size of its head. The small front legs are used mostly for feeding, the back legs are much more developed. These are muscular and well adapted for jumps. At running speed it can do a 9 metres (30 feet) long jump and up to 3.3 metres (11 feet) high! This species is only found in Eastern Australia where there are abundant rainfalls and flourishing vegetation. Its natural habitat is coastal moors and grassy plains, but it is also found in subtropical forests, mountains and temperate forests. The Eastern Gray Kangaroo feeds mostly on young leafy foliage, but it also likes leaves, grass and brushwood. During droughts, it finds water in some types of bark and roots. Females live in small groups, males each have their own territory which they acquire from the others through fights. A female always has one young at a time and the uterine gestation lasts about 36 days. After what the young, called a joey, will complete its development inside a ventral pouch called a marsupium, for 11 months. Only the female will take care of its young and protect it for long months. Dingoes, foxes and eagles are considered dangerous for this animal. Eastern Gray Kangaroos can live between 18 and 20 years in nature. Populations are hunted for the meat and the fur. Nowadays, it is an abundant species which has no particular status.
Northern Gray Kangaroo Macropus giganteus giganteus
