Kangaroos are endemic to the country of Australia. They have large, powerful hind¹ legs, large feet adapted for leaping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a small head. Female kangaroos have a pouch² called a marsupium in which joeys complete postnatal development.

 

Large kangaroos have adapted to changes brought to the Australian landscape by humans and though many of their smaller cousins are endangered, they are plentiful³. They are not farmed to any extent, but wild kangaroos are shot for meat, leather hides, and to protect grazing land for sheep and cattle.

 

The kangaroo is an unofficial symbol of Australia, and appears as an emblem⁴ on the Australian coat of arms, on some of its currency, as well as by some of Australia's well known organisations, including Qantas, Australia's largest airline, and the Royal Australian Air Force. The kangaroo is important to both Australian culture and the national image.

 

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