What is threatening the kangaroo and how can you help them?

Answer 1

In the past, the red kangaroo has come close to extinction as a result of habitat clearing for agriculture, and the indiscriminate shooting of kangaroos by farmers and hunters. Once Federal Protection was enacted for all native animals, their numbers increased again.

The majority of kangaroo species are not threatened. In some parts of Australia, they are considered a pest and, unfortunately, farmers have successfully lobbied to have them culled. Kangaroo meat products can also be bought at butchers' shops and supermarkets.

Kangaroos are uniquely adapted to survive Australian conditions. The mother kangaroo can be pregnant with one baby while another joey is still in her pouch: that second baby will not emerge from the birth canal until the first joey is fully weaned. This way, the health of both parent and baby is ensured.

There are over 60 species of kangaroo, however, and many of the lesser-known species are endangered, especially those in the wallaby family. Rock-wallabies seem to be most prone to endangerment. But the larger creatures commonly recognised as kangaroos, such as Red kangaroos and Grey kangaroos, remain common and prolific.