Kangaroo.

Kangaroo. Class Mammalia Order Marsupialia Family Macropodidae Genus Macropus Names young: joey group: mob dominant male in mob: boomer Conservation Some species are endangered due to hunting and habitat destruction. Concerns Range Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania. Habitat Depending on the species, various habitats, including woodlands, arid grasslands, shrub steppe, salt pans, and rocky areas. Size Largest: Red kangaroos grow to about 1.5 m (4.9 ft), and weigh up to 90 kg (198 lb). Smallest: Rat kangaroos grow to about 25 cm (10 in), and weigh as little as 18 oz (1.1 lb). Feeding Habits Most kangaroos are herbivores; they mainly eat grass and other vegetation. Some are omnivores, eating plants, insects, and small animals. Offspring Female kangaroos give birth to one baby after a gestation of about 33 days. The newborn crawls into the mother's pouch to develop more fully. The joey emerges after about five to nine months. Life Span About 12 to 18 years in the wild. Did You Know When fighting, a larger kangaroo balances on its tail, grabs its rival with its forearms, and kicks with its hind legs. Species of kangaroos are the largest living marsupials. When in danger, kangaroos beat the ground with their back feet. A large kangaroo can travel up to 5 m (16 ft) in a single leap. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.