Wallabies and Kangaroos: Macropodidae

Physical characteristics: Bennett's tree kangaroos have dark brown fur on most of their bodies although the fur on the top of their head and shoulders is reddish brown. Their foreheads and snouts are gray. Bennett's tree kangaroos have head and body lengths that range from 27 to 30 inches (69 to 76 centimeters). Their tails range in length from 29 to 33 inches (74 to 84 centimeters). They weigh between 18 and 30 pounds (8 to 14 kilograms).

Young Bennett's tree kangaroos are in their mother's pouch for seven months, and may stay with their mothers until they're two years old. (Illustration by Marguette Dongvillo. Reproduced by permission.)

Geographic range: Bennett's tree kangaroos live on the eastern part of Cape York, which is a peninsula in the far northeast of Australia.

Habitat: Bennett's tree kangaroos live in tropical rainforests.

Diet: Bennett's tree kangaroos eat mainly leaves, although they sometimes also eat fruit.

Behavior and reproduction: Male Bennett's tree kangaroos live alone. They are territorial, which means that they defend their living area against other males of their species, although their home range may overlap with that of several different females. The young remain in the pouch for about 270 days and are young-at-foot for up to two years.

Bennett's tree kangaroo and people: Bennett's tree kangaroos were hunted by native Australians.

Conservation status: Bennett's tree kangaroo is considered Near Threatened. This means that while these kangaroos are not in serious danger yet, they may soon become threatened. ∎