Why are kangaroos extinct?

Answer 1

The animal most people recognise as the kangaroo is common and not at all endangered. These animals, the Red Kangaroo and the two varieties of Grey Kangaroo, which are the largest of the marsupials, enjoy healthy populations throughout their particular habitats.

However, there are many smaller species of kangaroo, which are kangaroos in name only, and not in stature, appearance or even diet. Some of these smaller endangered kangaroos, most of which are actually wallabies, include the quokka, bettong, potoroo, tree-kangaroo, rufous-rat kangaroo (not to be confused with kangaroo rats), most species of rock wallaby and other wallabies such as the bridle nailtail wallaby. As for the reasons for their endangerment, in most cases it is the introduction of non-native predators such as foxes, feral cats and wild dogs which pose the biggest threat.

Not all kangaroos are endangered: you can search the IUCN Redlist for endangered kangaroos at the related link below.

Answer 2

As a species, kangaroos are not becoming extinct. The majority of kangaroo species are not even endangered. In fact, the larger species such as Red kangaroos and Grey kangaroos are becoming a pest in some areas, and the government has given permission for culling programmes. These are also the species which are harvested for kangaroo meat.

Kangaroos were at risk during the twentieth century, but after becoming a protected species, enjoyed considerable resurgence in their population. They are no longer at their lowest population rate.

There are, however, over 60 species of kangaroo. The larger ones such as the red Kangaroo and Grey Kangaroo species, which most people consider when they refer to kangaroos, are common. Many species of wallabies, particularly the various types of rock wallabies, are endangered, while others such as swamp wallabies remain common. More species of kangaroos are common or "of least concern", than are becoming extinct.

Many websites cite that the kangaroo is under threat of extinction, and there is no doubt that habitat loss and introduced predators pose a threat to many species of kangaroos. However, many such websites tend to be extremist in their views. The WWF, one of the world's leading wildlife conservation groups, acknowledges that, while many kangaroo species are thriving, the future of the kangaroo generally requires careful scrutiny.

Answer 3

Kangaroos are not becoming extinct. They enjoy a healthy population throughout most areas of Australia, even to the point that special culling permits have been granted to farmers in areas where there is an overpopulation.

Answer 4

Kangaroos are not extinct, nor even endangered yet. In fact they are becoming a pest in some areas, and the government has given permission for culling programmes.

Kangaroos were at risk during the twentieth century, but after becoming a protected species, enjoyed considerable resurgence in their population. They are no longer at their lowest population rate.

There are, however, over 60 species of kangaroo. The larger ones such as the red Kangaroo and Grey Kangaroo species, which most people consider when they refer to kangaroos, are common and not even remotely extinct. Many species of wallabies, particularly the various types of rock wallabies, are endangered. However, more species of kangaroos are common or "of least concern", than are becoming extinct.

Many websites cite that the kangaroo is under threat of extinction, and there is no doubt that habitat loss and introduced predators pose a threat to many species of kangaroos. However, many such websites tend to be extremist in their views. The WWF, one of the world's leading wildlife conservation groups, acknowledges that, while many kangaroo species are thriving, the future of the kangaroo generally requires careful scrutiny.p>

Answer 5

It is uncertain why the giant kangaroos (Procoptodon goliah) are extinct, but there are two main theories about what happened to the "giant kangaroos" that roamed Australia thousands of years ago.

One theory blames the arrival of the aboriginal people. However, recent research coming out of the Queensland University of Technology has indicated that their extinction may be due to a massive drought and climate change.

See the related links for information on both theories.

Answer 6

Not all tree kangaroos are in danger of becoming extinct, but there are certainly significant threats to all species. Tree kangaroos are at most risk from feral animals and from being hit by cars.

The average person can help by being careful when driving through areas known to be tree kangaroo habitats. In Australia there is a concerted effort by wildlife organisations to build corridors between remnant patches of rain forest in the hope that this will stabilize the population. In several places, under-road tunnels have been built to allow safe passage of tree kangaroos from one area to another, and monitoring suggests this strategy has seen some success, although more so among native fauna other than the tree kangaroos. Road signs to warn traffic of tree kangaroos have been placed in several locations, due to quite high mortality rates from the animals being hit by cars.

People can also join volunteer organisations. In far north Queensland in the region of the Atherton Tableland (the favoured habitat of Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo), there are several volunteer groups acting to implement the Wildlife Habitat Management Plans. Incorporated within these plans are strategies to reinstate 80 hectares of rainforest vegetation, and to provide surveys and monitoring of the tree kangaroos.

In New Guinea, education is needed to teach the locals the value of saving these species and not eating them. Given that most of the indigenous population of New Guinea (both the Indonesian half and the Papua New Guineans) still live in traditional tribal groups, with their associated culture and practices, this is virtually impossible to achieve. To this end, nonetheless, in 1999 the Conservation Education Program was begun to raise awareness - at least among some members of the upcoming generation.