Antilopine kangaroo

Antelope kangaroo

The antelope kangaroo ( Macropus antilopinus ) is a pouch species from the family of kangaroos ( Macropodidae ). It is one of the larger and at the same time little known kangaroo species.

Features

Antelope Kangaroos are large, relatively stocky built animals. They reach a body length 80-106 cm and a tail length of 69-81 centimeters. It weighs 17 to 37 kg, the males are much larger and heavier than the females. As with most kangaroos, the hind legs are longer than the front legs and the tail is long and muscular. The head is relatively small and elongated, the ears are large. The fur of the male is reddish brown, the females are colored more gray. In addition, the males differ by a swelling on the nose, which probably serves the cooling and is not present in females.

Distribution and habitat

Antelope kangaroos are found in many parts of northern Australia. They live in northern Western Australia, Northern Territory in the north and on the Cape York Peninsula. Your preferred habitat is open, partially lined with grass forest areas.

Way of life

These animals occupy in northern Australia, the ecological niche occupied in the interior and southern Australia of the red and gray kangaroos. There are crepuscular or nocturnal animals that sleep during the day in the shade of the trees. They live in contrast to the other mountain kangaroos in groups, which may include up to 30 animals. The groups have a loose structure and they have like all kangaroos no permanent connections.

They are pure herbivores that mainly feed on grasses and herbs. A multi-chamber stomach helps them in the decomposition of indigestible food.

After about one month of gestation, the female gives birth to usually a single young is born. This spending his first months of life in the mother's pouch. The delayed delivery can also be observed in them.

Endangering

Although antelopes kangaroos come in low population densities before, but have a large distribution area and are therefore not at risk, according to IUCN. In some regions, however, stocks go through the conversion of their habitat in pastures back.