Kangaroo Scientific Name, Genus, Habitat, Diet, and Types

What is the scientific name of a kangaroo? The kangaroo scientific name is Macropus (genus).

Kangaroos are amazing marsupials from Australia, which are popular all over the world due to their strong hind legs, long tails, and unique hopping ability. Learning about the kangaroo scientific name, genus, biological classification, habitat, diet, and types helps in knowing these fascinating creatures all the more.

The guide includes the binomial names of kangaroos, such as their age, size, and sounds, as well as species like the red kangaroo and eastern grey kangaroo.

What is the Scientific Name of a Kangaroo?

The scientific name for a kangaroo differs from the species, but all are under the same genus, Macropus. The word Macropus originates from the Greek word, where markus means “large” and pous means “foot“, which reflects the most prominent characteristic of the kangaroo.

• Red Kangaroo Scientific Name: Macropus rufus
• Eastern Grey Kangaroo Scientific Name: Macropus giganteus
• Western Grey Kangaroo Scientific Name: Macropus fuliginosus

In simpler words, the binomial name of a kangaroo denotes its genus (Macropus) and species as well.

Meaning and Pronunciation of Kangaro Scientific Name

Macropus rufus (Red kangaroo):

• Pronunciation: MACK-roh-pus ROO-fus
• Meaning: “Large foot, reddish”

Macropus giganteus (Eastern grey kangaroo):

• Pronunciation: MACK-roh-pus jy-GAN-tee-us
• Meaning: “Large foot, giant”

Macropus fuliginosus (Western grey kangaroo):

• Pronunciation: MACK-roh-pus foo-lih-JEE-noh-sus
• Meaning: “Large foot, smoky/sooty”

Biological Classification of Kangaroo

Kangaroos are part of the marsupial group, an animal group that carries its young in pouches. They are classified as:

Kangaroo Size, Height, Weight, and Age

Kangaroo physical features differ by type, but they are the largest marsupials on Earth.

• Height: 3 to 6.5 feet tall
• Weight: 40 to 200 lbs (males are much larger than females)
• Tail Length: Up to 3.5 feet, used for balance
• Age/Lifespan: 8–12 years in the wild; up to 20 years in captivity

Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus)

• Largest kangaroo species
• Males reach up to 6.5 ft and 200 lbs
• Distinct reddish-brown coat

Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

• Slightly smaller than red kangaroos
• Males average 5.9 ft and 145 lbs
• Known for fast hopping, up to 35 mph

Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus)

• Medium-sized species
• Males reach 4.5–5.5 ft and 120 lbs
• Darker coat compared to the eastern grey

Kangaroo Habitat

Kangaroos, which are native to Australia, are the native species of Australia, as well as areas nearby. The various types are all adapted to different locales:

• Red Kangaroo: the very hot and dry central parts of Australia.
• Eastern Grey Kangaroo: Beautiful woodlands and grassy lands in the eastern and southern parts of Australia.
• Western Grey Kangaroo: The coastal and interior scrubby areas of western and southern Australia.

However, they prefer to stay in open fields for grazing, and at the same time, they look for places to hide during the hot days.

Kangaroo Diet

The diet of kangaroos, which can be classified as their herbivore status, is no different from that of grazing animals:

• Tender grass
• Whole leaves and shrubs
• Bark and shoots (especially during droughts)
• Rarely, flowers and fruits

They are just like ruminants in that they have chambered stomachs that can digest fibrous plants very efficiently.

Kangaroo Sound and Color

Kangaroos are mainly silent, but they can produce specific sounds:

• Mother and joeys: Very soft clicking or clucking sounds are made for communicating
• Males: Sounds similar to coughs are made during fights
• Warning signals: Fainting the tail or foot-stomping to alert the group is among the methods of shooting signals

Kangaroo Colors

Red Kangaroo:

• Males: Reddish-brown
• Females: Bluish-grey
• This species shows one of the most noticeable color differences between males and females.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo:

• Light to dark grey
• Their coat may appear slightly silver when sunlight reflects off it.

Western Grey Kangaroo:

• Dark brown to chocolate-grey
• Often has a darker face and a coat that feels a bit coarser than that of other species.

Antilopine Kangaroo:

• Light brown to tan
• Has a smooth, sleek coat that gives it a deer-like appearance.

General Notes:

• Young kangaroos (joeys) usually have softer and lighter fur compared to adults.
• Coat color can vary due to sunlight, dust, and seasonal changes in their environment.

Types of Kangaroos

Kangaroos are animals that are closely related to the Australian continent. The following are the four main types of kangaroos that are mostly found in different parts of Australia.

Red Kangaroo

The red kangaroo is not only the largest species of kangaroo but also the largest marsupial alive today. Males usually have a very distinctive reddish-brown fur, while females are more bluish-gray. In addition to their large, strong legs and jumping power, red kangaroos are distributed throughout the dry outback of Australia.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

The eastern grey kangaroo is characterized as a fast runner, strong, and highly social. It lives in large troops, often called mobs, and prefers the grasslands and open forests of eastern Australia, where there is a good supply of water and good soil. This species is one of the most commonly found kangaroos due to its gentle disposition and tolerance.

Western Grey Kangaroo

The western grey kangaroo is slightly smaller than the eastern grey, has a stockier body, and a darker fur coat. It often lives in forests, coastal scrub, and open grasslands in the southern and western regions of Australia. The species is often characterised by a strong musky scent, making it easy to identify from other species of kangaroo.

Antilopine Kangaroo

The antilopine kangaroo is found in the tropical climate of the far north of Australia. It has a leaner, more graceful build, which makes it more similar to an antelope than other species. Antilopine kangaroos usually live in open woodlands and grassy savannahs where they can forage in groups during the cooler part of the day.

Interesting Facts About Kangaroos

• Kangaroos can hop with a speed of 35 mph and can easily clear a distance of 25 feet with a single jump – that’s a long jump, right?
• A kangaroo’s strong tail and hind legs make it impossible for it to move backward.
• Females of the kangaroo species can delay the birth of their baby till the first one comes out of the pouch, and this phenomenon is known as embryonic diapause.
• To ensure safety, kangaroos form groups known as mobs.
• They are the national emblems of Australia and are seen on coins and logos.

Final Thoughts

The Latin name of the kangaroo varies from one species to another, but collectively, they are placed under the genus Macropus. The red kangaroo scientific name is Macropus rufus, whereas the eastern grey kangaroo is classified as Macropus giganteus. Each type of kangaroo is characterized differently in terms of height, weight, size, age, habitat, diet, and sound.

Recognizing the binomial names and the taxonomic hierarchy of kangaroos makes it easier for us to value their significance in the ecosystems of Australia and their status as remarkable marsupials.

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