Hey Lykkers, if you think you know everything about kangaroos, think again! These fascinating creatures are full of surprises. Let's jump right into 10 fun and surprising facts about kangaroos that you might not have heard before.

Get ready to discover a whole new side to these adorable, iconic animals.

Largest Marsupial on Earth

When it comes to size, kangaroos take the crown as the largest marsupials in the world. There are many species of kangaroos, but the most common ones are the red kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, and western grey kangaroo. The red kangaroo, in particular, is the biggest and is found all across the Australian outback. A fully grown male red kangaroo can stand up to 2 meters tall and weigh as much as 90 kilograms. Its tail is about 1.3 meters long! The eastern grey kangaroo is the most common species, found in the fertile regions of eastern and southern Australia. Meanwhile, the western grey kangaroo is spread mostly across southern Australia.

Left-Handed Kangaroos

Did you know that most kangaroos are left-handed? Just like how humans have a preference for one hand, kangaroos tend to favor one side too. While about 85% of people are right-handed and 15% are left-handed, scientists have found that kangaroos, especially the red and eastern grey ones, often prefer to use their left "hand." In fact, they spend around 95% of their time using their left hand for delicate activities like grooming or eating. Their right hand, on the other hand, is mostly used for strength-based tasks like fighting. This fascinating trait may even be linked to their bipedal (two-legged) lifestyle!

The Mighty Tail

Kangaroos are known for their long, muscular tails, and they are not just for show. These tails serve multiple purposes! When a kangaroo is moving at slower speeds, it uses its tail as a third leg to help with balance and stability. A study on the red kangaroo revealed that the tail provides a force equal to the combined strength of its front and back legs. This tail is a powerful tool that helps them jump higher and further. So, next time you see a kangaroo hopping around, remember its tail is doing more than just looking cool.

The Jumping Champions

Kangaroos are the true athletes of the animal kingdom. Their back legs are incredibly strong, and they use them to jump great distances. The long tendons in their legs are elastic, which helps them spring forward with minimal energy use. This form of movement allows them to travel far while conserving energy, which is perfect for searching for food in the wild. On record, kangaroos can reach speeds of up to 71 km/h (44 mph) and jump as far as 13 meters in one leap. They can even jump up to 4 meters in height! No wonder they're the jumping champions of the mammal world.

Clever Cooling System

In Australia's scorching heat, kangaroos have developed a unique way to keep cool. During hot summer days, they can be seen licking their forearms. This action might look a bit strange, but it's an effective way to cool themselves down. When they lick their arms, the saliva on their skin helps cool the blood circulating in the small blood vessels beneath the surface. This helps regulate their body temperature, allowing them to survive the extreme heat that often reaches 40-45°C (104-113°F) in Australia.

The Never-Going-Back Spirit

Kangaroos are known for their determination, and one of their most iconic traits is that they never hop backward. They only move forward, symbolizing a spirit of perseverance and progress. This forward-only movement has become a symbol of resilience and ambition for Australians, which is why kangaroos are featured on the national coat of arms and currency. It's all about moving forward, no matter what.

Overpopulation Problems

Believe it or not, the kangaroo population in Australia has exploded in recent years. With a population of around 60 million, kangaroos now outnumber Australians by more than two to one. This overpopulation has caused significant environmental strain, as the kangaroos consume large amounts of natural resources and disrupt the ecosystem. In response, the Australian government has allowed licensed hunters to cull kangaroos, and they even encourage people to eat kangaroo meat. In some cases, kangaroo products are even exported to other countries. The kangaroo, while being an iconic animal, is facing tough times due to overpopulation.

Kangaroos are undoubtedly fascinating creatures. Whether it's their size, their unique way of moving, or the incredible adaptability of their reproduction system, there's so much to learn about these iconic animals. I hope these fun facts have given you a new appreciation for the kangaroo, Lykkers. Who knew these creatures were so clever and resilient?

So, next time you see a kangaroo, just remember, there's a whole lot more going on behind those big, adorable eyes!