Few creatures represent their continent, and kangaroos are recognized worldwide as symbols of Australia. Despite their widespread recognition, kangaroos are frequently misinterpreted both domestically and overseas. For example, did you realize that the animal we have grown to love and adore is seen as a pest by its human neighbors? Farmers generally despise them, particularly since they trespass onto pastures and consume fodder for cattle. Of course, these creatures’ positive traits compensate for their negative traits. Here are little-known kangaroo facts.

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The giant marsupials still living are kangaroos. The three most prevalent species of kangaroos are red, eastern gray, and western gray. The red kangaroo, which may grow to be more than five feet tall without its three-foot tail and weigh 180 pounds, is the largest species of kangaroo (by weight). Eastern gray kangaroos can grow nearly seven feet tall as adults but are also smaller and lighter, weighing only up to 120 pounds. The genus Macropus, which means “big foot,” includes kangaroos. Several smaller but similarly shaped species also belong to that genus, albeit it is difficult to tell them apart. Wallabies are the genus’s tiniest members, and wallaroos are the name for species that fall somewhere in between. The propensity to use one hand relatively more quickly than the other is known as “handedness,” It is present in humans and some other primates.

Once considered a unique trait of monkey evolution, handedness is now believed to be widespread in kangaroos, according to a more recent study. The majority of the time, the animals use their left hand for activities like eating and grooming, according to research. Kangaroos often use their left hand for precision while utilizing their right hand for power, suggesting that their hands may be specialized for various tasks. Mobs, troops, and herds are the terms used to describe how kangaroos move and feed. The size of a kangaroo mob can range from a few to several dozen, and the mobs’ bonds are frequently shaky enough to let members move around. Although males may kick, punch, or bite one other to win females during mating season, the most prominent male in the group usually rules the group. The terms “Does,” “flyer,” and “jill” are used to refer to female kangaroos, and “bucks,” “boomers,” or “jacks” to refer to males.