A kangaroo’s unique behaviours are far more complex and surprising than many can realise.
Male kangaroos often contest with predators in order to establish their dominance, especially during the mating season.
Kangaroos, the iconic marsupials and native of Australia, appear to be simple and peaceful hopping creatures—especially as herbivores. Their unique behaviours are far more complex and surprising than many can realise. These fascinating animals, famous for their powerful hind legs and big tails, exhibit a range of behaviours that not just showcase their adaptability in the wild but also their intelligence and social dynamics.
The ‘boxing’ behaviour
Often viral videos across social media have depicted the “boxing” behaviour of kangaroos. So, do they really box? Yes, this is one of their intriguing behaviours, where the male kangaroos engage physically to establish their dominance, especially during the mating season, The Times of India reported.
At times, people do get to see kangaroos standing on their tails as they engage with their opponents. Apart from their ability to box, they even possess several defensive strategies. In order to evade predators, they even use water and sometimes even attempt to drown the attackers, including dogs.
However, their ‘boxing’ ability is usually non-lethal and it is more intended towards showing their strength to the enemy than causing serious injuries.
Kangaroos can drown animals?
Although it might seem unconvincing to many, there have been multiple reports highlighting kangaroos’ ability to drown the predators. To defend themselves, they make deliberate attempts to lure the perceived threats into water. In a situation where the kangaroo feels unsafe or cornered by its enemies, it might retreat to water to have an advantage.
Why do they do this? Well, kangaroos have the special ability to stand upright in the water and can use their forearms to hold the enemy’s head under the water, thereby drowning it. However, it is not aggressive behaviour and rather done to defend themselves, the report states.
Meanwhile, there is no verified evidence on whether kangaroos target children or humans intentionally.
Interesting facts about kangaroos:
- Kangaroos cannot move backwards. In Australia, this makes them the symbol of progress.
- Studies have found that kangaroos can leap up to 30 feet in a single bound, thanks to their tough and powerful hind legs. Also, they can travel around at the speed of anywhere around 35 miles per hour.
- They are the largest marsupials worldwide, with some of its species measuring over six feet.
- A kangaroo not only uses its tail for balance while hopping, but it also serves as a ‘third leg’ at the time of standing.
