Kangaroo

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, especially those of the genus Macropus, Red Kangaroo, Antilopine Kangaroo, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Western Grey Kangaroo.^[1] Kangaroos are endemic to the continent of Australia. The smaller macropods are found in Australia and New Guinea.

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, sport, and to protect grazing land for sheep and cattle.^[2] Although there is some controversy, harvesting kangaroo meat has many environmental and health benefits over sheep or cows grazed for meat.^[3]

The kangaroo is a national symbol of Australia: its emblem is used on the Australian coat of arms,^[4] on some of its currency,^[5] as well as by some of Australia's best known organisations, including Qantas.^[6] The kangaroo is important to both Australian culture and the national image and consequently there are numerous popular culture references.