Gold Coast MarsupialsEastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

The Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is a large kangaroo and is a farily common sight across the eastern part of Australia. Although the scientific description of ‘giganteus’ may be appropriate, it is actually a smaller kangaroo to that of the Red Kangaroo (Osphranter rufus, also Macropus rufus).

Not to be mistaken for the western grey kangaroos, as they are closely related, the eastern grey has a light-coloured grey or brownish-grey coat, with a lighter silver or cream, sometimes nearly white, belly. The western grey is a dark dusty brown colour, and has more contrast especially around the head.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Gold Coast QLD © Stefan Jones
Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Gold Coast QLD © Stefan Jones
Mother and young Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Gold Coast QLD © Stefan Jones
Mother and young Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Gold Coast QLD © Stefan Jones

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  • Scientific classification
  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Infraclass: Marsupialia
  • Order: Diprotodontia
  • Family: Macropodidae
  • Genus: Macropus
  • Species: Macropus giganteus

Footnote & References

  1. Marsupial, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsupial (last visited Jan. 5, 2021).

Gold Coast MarsupialsEastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

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QueenslandQueensland Fauna Gold Coast Region Lamington National Park Southern Downs QLD