Red Kangaroo

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Red Kangaroo | status = lc | image = Kangur.rudy.drs.jpg | image_width = 200px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Mammalia | subclassis = Marsupialia | ordo = Diprotodontia | familia = Macropodidae | genus = Macropus | species = M. rufus | binomial = Macropus rufus | binomial_authority = Desmarest, 1822 }} The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest of all kangaroos and the largest surviving marsupial. It is found across the bulk of mainland Australia, avoiding only the more fertile areas in the south, the east coast, and the northern rainforests.

This species is a very large kangaroo with short, red-brown fur, fading to pale buff below and on the limbs. It has long, pointed earbobs and a squared-off muzzle. Females are smaller than males and are blue-grey with a brown tinge, pale grey below, although arid zone females are coloured more like males. The Red Kangaroo is one of the biggest marsupials.

The male Red Kangaroo can leap at full throttle approximately 30 feet in one leap. Due to this length and speed of the leap, the male kangaroo's must shrink the size of their testes to not damage them during their leap.Template:Cite needed

The Red Kangaroo inhabits most of the dry inland of the central part of Australia. It prefers open plains where trees and bushes are scarce.

The Red Kangaroo prefers to eat grasses and other vegetation. It can go long periods of time without water, as long as it has access to green plants as they have the ability to take moisture out of plants.

The Red Kangaroo is nocturnal and crepuscular, and largely spends the daylight hours sleeping or otherwise relaxing.

When male kangaroos fight, they may appear to be 'boxing'. They usually stand up on their hind limbs and attempt to push their opponent off balance by jabbing him or locking forearms. If the fight escalates, they will begin to kick each other. Using their tail to support their weight, they deliver kicks with their powerful hind legs. A little-known fact is that the Red Kangaroo has a weak anabolic poison in the claws of its hind legs. While not particularly dangerous on its own, this poison adds superficially to the threat of the already extremely dangerous Red Kangaroo.

Length: males: to 1.4 m (excluding tail), females to 1.1 m. Tail up to 1 m.
Weight: males to 85 kg, females to 35 kg.
Alternative names: The female also known as a Blue Flyer. Macropus rufus is from the Latin for: "big foot" and "red".
Range: Arid and semi-arid central Australia

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