Amazing Bennett’s Tree Kangaroos
Bennett’s Tree Kangaroos are nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupials that are in the same family (Macropodidae) as wallabies and kangaroos. Tree kangaroos evolved from ground-dwelling ancestors and have adaptations for life in the forest canopy. Their front legs are quite long and sturdy for climbing trees, while their back legs have padded, agile feet for gripping. Quick and nimble among the branches, tree kangaroos can leap and hop while using their long heavy tails for balance. Their kangaroo heritage is apparent from the way they hop along tree limbs.
Bennett’s Tree Kangaroos have brown and grey fur with black patches on their tails, limbs, chests and bellies. They are very difficult to spot in the canopy because their dark undersides camouflage them from below.
Adult Bennett’s Tree Kangaroos are generally solitary. Males, which are much larger than females, defend their territories fiercely from other males. This is unusual among macropods, which are not often territorial. Tree kangaroos also breed at a slower rate than their ground-dwelling relatives; females bear just one joey a year. Each joey is carried in its mother’s pouch for nine months, and is weaned after twelve months.
Tree kangaroos were once hunted for food by Aboriginal people. Their natural predators include pythons and dingos.