Western Grey Kangaroo

A Western Grey Kangaroo spots the camera from the bushes
Kape Images website banner

Scientific Name: Macropus fuliginosus

Size: TL 1,370–2,225mm, including tail 425–1,000mm

What does it look like?

Western Grey Kangaroo fur is shaggy. Brownish-grey above (more blackish on Kangaroo Island), slightly paler and more greyish below, with finely haired black ears and snout. Males have a distinctive strong odour.

Where is it found?

Southern Australia, from south-western WA (south of Shark Bay), through southern SA (including Kangaroo Island), western Vic and western NSW to inland of southern Qld.

What are its habitats & habits?

The Western Grey Kangaroo is found in variety of wooded and grassland habitats. Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal, resting during the heat of the day in the shade, and emerging to forage on grasses, herbs and leaves of shrubs.

Interesting facts

In 1802, Matthew Flinders stopped his ship, Investigator, at an island off SA and shot a number of these kangaroos to feed the crew. He then named it Kangaroo Island.

Also known as: Stinker

Peter Rowland Tours Banner
A Naturalist's Guide to the Mammals of Australia front cover

This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Mammals of Australia

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share this Page...

If you found this page useful, please share it with your friends