Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The red kangaroo is Australia’s largest land mammal. It is mainly found on the plains and in open woodlands but can also survive in the desert.

Male kangaroos can grow to 2.4 metres tall and weigh up to 85 kg. Females are smaller, topping out at around 2 metres and 35 kg.

These roos eat grassy plants and are very good at conserving water. They spend most of the day lying in the shade.

Under the right conditions, female red kangaroos can nurture three young at the same time: one joey on the ground, another one in the pouch and a third waiting to be born. They can actually delay giving birth until the previous joey has left the pouch.

Kangaroos are a popular food for Anangu. The leg sinews from these animals can also be used to bind spears.

Scientific name

Macropus rufus

Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara name

malu