How to Identify a Kangaroo

The national symbol of Australia is also the largest of all marsupials ... the Kangaroo. This amazing animal is both friend and foe to Australians as it is their symbol and also source of food, but on the other hand they graze over farmer's crops. This article will explain how to identify a kangaroo by appearance, habitat and diet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   This is a red kangaroo.

   The first step in identifying a kangaroo is to know what they look like. There are four types of kangaroos: red, grey, eastern and antilopine. Each one looks a bit different in size and coloring. However, they all have the same basic appearance. They stand on two large and powerful legs/feet, much like a rabbit but bigger. They have a long tail, a pouch for their young, two small arms and large ears. Their beautiful faces have a long snout like a horse and big brown eyes.

2. 
   Australia is home to kangaroos.

   The second step in identifying a kangaroo is to understand their habitat. You may think that all kangaroos live all across Australia but that is not the case. Grey kangaroos favor the coastal areas of Australia and can even be found swimming. Smaller kangaroos tend to live in the desert areas of Australia where a larger kangaroo could not survive as food would not be plentiful. Kangaroos in general do like grazing on grasslands, scrublands and marshes.

3. 
   A smaller Antilopine kangaroo.

   The third step in identifying a kangaroo is to know their diet. Kangaroos are herbivores, which means their diet is mainly vegetarian. They prefer to graze on grass, shrubs and eat leaves and shoots. They do not need much water and can go up to four months without needing a drink.