A kangaroo is a marsupial from the family Macropodidae (macropods, meaning 'large foot'). In common use the term is used to describe the largest species from this family, the Red Kangaroo, the Antilopine Kangaroo, and the Eastern and Western Grey Kangaroo of the Macropus genus. The family also includes many smaller species which include the wallabies, tree-kangaroos, wallaroos, pademelons and the Quokka, some 63 living species in all.[1] Kangaroos are endemic to the continent of Australia, while the smaller macropods are found in Australia and New Guinea.
In general, larger kangaroos have adapted much better to changes wrought to the Australian landscape by humans and though many of their smaller cousins are endangered, they are plentiful. They are not farmed to any extent, but wild kangaroos are shot for meat. Although there is some controversy, harvesting kangaroos for meat has many environmental and health benefits over other meats.[2]
The kangaroo is an Australian icon: it is featured on the Australian coat of arms,[3] on some of its currency,[4] and is used by many Australian organisations, including Qantas.[5]
In general, larger kangaroos have adapted much better to changes wrought to the Australian landscape by humans and though many of their smaller cousins are endangered, they are plentiful. They are not farmed to any extent, but wild kangaroos are shot for meat. Although there is some controversy, harvesting kangaroos for meat has many environmental and health benefits over other meats.[2]
The kangaroo is an Australian icon: it is featured on the Australian coat of arms,[3] on some of its currency,[4] and is used by many Australian organisations, including Qantas.[5]
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