Wallabies and Kangaroos: Macropodidae

Kangaroos and wallabies live all over Australia, as well as in parts of New Guinea and some surrounding islands. They have been introduced into Hawaii, New Zealand, Great Britain, and Germany.

Kangaroos and wallabies live in many different habitats. Some live in the tropical rainforest while others live in the grasslands or woodlands. There is almost no area of Australia where at least one species of kangaroo or wallaby does not live.

Most kangaroos and wallabies are herbivores, which means that they eat only plants. They eat mostly leaves and grass, although some also eat fruit, seeds, and fungi. Some of the smaller species are omnivores, animals that eat both animals and plants. These species eat insects and other invertebrates.

Four species in this family have already gone extinct. Many others are Endangered, which means that they face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Others are considered Vulnerable, which means that they face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Some actions are being taken to help particular species, including protecting their habitats and breeding them in captivity, so they may be later reintroduced into the wild.