Contrary to common opinion, kangaroos are not the only marsupials animal. The modern science knows about 250 types of animals whose cubs are born underdeveloped then they grow in a maternal bag. However it is possible to tell only about some kangaroos very long - these unique animals are so interesting.
Kangaroo - what they are?
Their name is connected with the word kanguroo (gangurru) which as the legend says, once Australian natives speaking kuuku-yimitirsky language said. After this word was heard by James Cook who landed on coast of the green continent in 1770 so began to designate exotic animals.
The family kangaroo, according to modern classification of animals, unites representatives of many childbirth, in particular, hare, striped, giant, wood, shrubby, and even forest kangaroos. Besides, carry to them also various vallab and a vallara which, as well as kangaroos, under natural conditions live only in the territory of Australia.
Unique features of the building
Besides that all animals belonging to family of kangaroo possess a bag in which their cubs "ripen", they have one more unique feature - they move only jumps, gathering at the same time quite good speed. In particular, the big red kangaroo known under the name a red giant kangaroo, being the biggest of all types kangaroo and the largest Australian mammal, is capable to overcome thus for an hour about 65 kilometers. Duration of one jump of this vigorous animal as scientists-zoologists testify, can reach at the same time nine meters. Interesting feature kangaroo is also that they are not able to move back. Thanks to this unique quality they even got on the State Australian Emblem, having become a peculiar symbol of the country: "Always to go only forward!". However, cases when kangaroos for one jump could overcome up to 12 meters are known, the speed of their movement usually averages about 40-50 kilometers per hour. It is promoted by the elastic Achilles tendons working in the course of run or a jump by the principle of springs. The separate mention is deserved by a tail of kangaroo - usually rather long and thick. With its help these surprising animals can not only jump (the tail at this moment is the balance weight), but also to stand - animals can use it as an additional support, having a rest after jumps or run.
Way of life of kangaroo
Kangaroos are most active at night and also during twilight, in the afternoon they prefer to have a rest in the grass nests or holes. According to zoologists, kangaroo, as a rule, form small groups, a part which is a male and several females and also the kids-kenguryata who are growing up in bags. Unfortunately, scientists sound the alarm: the number of some species of a kangaroo is promptly reduced under the influence of various factors in recent years. So far some of types of these unique animals already disappeared from the face of the earth - completely exterminated them because of valuable meat and fur. However, on the other hand, representatives of the most widespread types, quite often spoil the Australian and New Zealand pastures, at the same time destroying crops.