The Difference Between Kangaroos and Wallabies

There are five different kinds of kangaroos in Australia.  It is said that there are more kangaroos here than people.  There are over 30 kinds of wallabies, however, four of those species are already extinct, several are endangered, and some are threatened.

The major difference between kangaroos and wallabies is their size.  Red kangaroos can grow over six feet tall and weigh over 200 pounds. Grey kangaroos are only slightly smaller. Wallabies are rarely more than five-foot-tall and weigh no more than 50 pounds.  Wallabies have larger ears than kangaroos, thicker fur, and are more multi-colored.

One of the greatest differences between wallabies and kangaroos is their tail.  A wallaby tail lies flat, like a dog’s tail, allowing it to sit on its rump.  A kangaroo’s tail is bent near its rump.  They must lie down because their tail construction makes it impossible for them to sit.  Each, however, use their tails for balance and their powerful legs for kicks.

Wallaby with its long tail

Kangaroo with its bent tail

Lounging kangaroos

Both kangaroos and wallabies are herbivores.  We have seen a wallaby pick up a mushroom in his hands to eat.  We have only seen kangaroos graze, bending over, and eating much like cattle.  Both are social animals and tend to run in mobs of varying sizes from several to over one hundred.

Kangaroo grazing

Wallaby holding and eating a large mushroom

Both kangaroos and wallabies are marsupials.  Joeys are born about the size of a jelly bean.  Wallaby joeys stay in the pouch until weaned at about seven months. Kangaroo joeys are weaned at about nine months.  Kangaroos live about 20 to 25 years, while wallabies tend to live much shorter lives, rarely living past 15 years of age.

Kangaroo with joey

Mother kangaroo nursing older joey

Wallabies and kangaroos can hop on average three times their height.  As an example, red kangaroos can jump nearly 10 feet high and 25 feet long. They can outpace a racehorse, reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour.  

They are all amazing creatures... I think I'm in love!  :)