THE TASMANIAN FORESTER KANGAROO

Matthew MoiczekEnvironmental ScienceAndersonSeptember 12, 2010

SCIENCE FACTS Scientific name: Macropus giganteus

tasmaniensis Mammal

AREA It is listed as endangered in Australia

(Tasmania) Subspecies of eastern gray kangaroo

found only in Tasmania

SIZE Largest of Tasmanian Reciprocals Over 6 ½ ft. in height Weighing over 130 Ibs

CHARACTERISTICS Fur coat varies from light to dark Eastern grays have long tails (used for

balance) Hind legs are much larger than limbs 5 finger and can grasp objects Excellent senses of smell, hearing, and

sight

HABITAT AND FOOD Prefer grasslands or open woodlands Prefer to live in small groups: “mobs” Herbivores

Mostly shrubs, grass, leaves, etc.

WHY ARE THEY ENDANGERED? Listed as endangered June 4th, 1973 Hunting Clearing of land (agricultural expansion) Competition with livestock and other

herbivores Disease Road deaths Climate changes Poisonous baiting

POPULATION Reduced 90% since the 1800’s The species is now protected by lay by

the Australian government so hopefully the population will rise again over the years

FUN FACTS Can jump 30 feet in a single bound When not jumping they move on all

limbs Females give birth to one “Joey” after a

35 day gestation period Aggressive behavior:

“Boxing” to gain dominance over other mobs

Winner is most likely to mate with females in mob

FUN FACTS CONTINUED Can swivel their ears in any direction to

focus Pictured on the Coat of Arms of Hobart

SITES Glenn, C. R. 2006. "Earth's Endangered

Creatures" (Online). Accessed 9/13/2010 at http://earthsendangered.com. http://www.earthsendangered.com/profile.c

om/profile-220.html