Mammal
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Macropus giganteusAlso known as Eastern Gray Kangaroo, Great Gray Kangaroo
Eastern grey kangaroos are iconic Australian marsupials that travel in social groups called mobs across grasslands, open forests, and agricultural lands. Active primarily at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night, they graze on grasses while relying on keen hearing and flexible ears to detect threats. Females raise joeys in forward-facing pouches, where the young remain protected for up to eleven months before venturing out on their own.
MarsupialHerbivoreCrepuscular
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyNative grasses, Herbs, Shrub leaves
Predators
- Dingo
- Wedge-tailed Eagle
- Feral Dog
ThreatsVehicle collisions, drought, habitat fragmentation, land clearing
HabitatsGrasslands, open woodlands, sclerophyll forests, pasturelands
Life span15–20 years in the wild
Classification
- OrderDiprotodontia
- FamilyMacropodidae
- GenusMacropus
- SpeciesMacropus giganteus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Large males can kick forcefully with sharp claws if cornered; maintain a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Powerful hind limbs equipped with sharp claws can inflict severe blunt force trauma and deep lacerations if the animal feels threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a heavy-set build, uniform soft grey fur, a paler belly, and a dark tip on the long tail.
- What to do
- Never approach or corner wild individuals, especially large males or females carrying joeys in their pouches.
Responsible observation
- Observe from Distance: Stay at least 15 meters back to avoid stressing the animal or prompting a defensive kick.
- Drive Carefully: Slow down on rural roads at dusk and dawn when individuals feed near grassy shoulders.
- Control Pets: Keep dogs leashed, as kangaroos will defend themselves vigorously if pursued.
Competitor (c) dhfischer, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by dhfischer · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Thomas Mesaglio, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Member (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.