There are many animals that stand out for their spectacular nature and many of the characteristics of living beings. Each species has its curiosities that make them unique. In this article we are going to talk about kangaroos. It is an animal worth knowing and very popular. We will also talk about how a kangaroo is born. This mammal has very strong and large hind legs and feet. This allows them to make huge jumps. The length of the tail is remarkable, as well as the muscles on it. They use it to balance themselves. The head does have a smaller size.
Their diet is based solely on plants. They only eat roots and grass. It is a species that acts at night. During the day they are quiet, doing practically nothing. It is in the afternoon and on low temperature nights when they eat. They usually go in a group. The average lifespan of a kangaroo is, more or less, 18 years. Its origin is Oceania. And it is known around the world as Australia’s iconic animal. The red kangaroo, which is the most famous species, measures one and a half meters. His weight is approximately 85 kilos.
One feature that makes them special is the kind of bag they have on their belly. We will surely know it simply by “bag”, although its exact name is marsupial. This skin fold is only characteristic of females. This bag protects the female’s breasts and, being a skin bag, has the function of an incubator.
Given the precocious birth of the pups, they only develop their arms, they need to be protected. They are not fully prepared to go outside. This owns incubator performs the function of protection mainly in the following 8 months. After that time, the baby continues going to get into the bag with the aim of eating. This habit will last another 6 months.
Thanks to this bag, the mother can breastfeed the calf and she can finish her development. Another utility that she has is as a hiding place to keep them away from predators that are on the prowl.
Kangaroo and its reproduction
The seduction of the kangaroo to consummate the act is somewhat variable. The same takes effect in a few hours or it may take a couple of days to conquer. It is the male that follows the female if she is in mating season. He sniffs the female’s urogenital pouch opening many times. It also uses its leg to establish contact by touching the female, specifically her tail.
Once the conquest is achieved, the duration of sex can be a short period of time or exceed sixty minutes. Surely we are interested in knowing, in general, what animal reproduction is like.
Displacement
It is curious that, despite their large size, they go from one place to another jumping. In the jump they move both legs at the same time. This has a reason and it is the following. If with their size and weight they would move otherwise they would be using much more energy. This displacement also allows them to go at an incredibly fast speed.
The trot of a kangaroo can reach up to 25 kilometers per hour. When they accelerate to cover a stretch of little trajectory they can go up to 70 kilometers per hour. Traveling a distance of two kilometers they are able to go the entire distance at 40 kilometers per hour.
When they choose to walk they have to use the queue. The length of the feet is what makes it difficult for him to move at a low speed. If they want to walk, they use the tail and the two front legs.
Instructions for a kangaroo is born
The birth of a kangaroo is something unique. Both the times and the development of the offspring once it has been born can be different from the rest of the mammals. These are the steps that make up the birth:
- Once they have completed the act, the offspring is born after about 28-36 days. That time is spent in the womb.
- In anticipation of birth, the mother prepares the area. She begins to lick and sanitize the area between the vagina and the bag. Her saliva serves as an indicator for the offspring to know which way to go.
- At the time of birth, the young follow this trail to the bag. If it takes more than 3 minutes, the chances of it dying are very high.
- In the pouch, or pouch, the first and only thing it does is find a nipple. It will be your power source for the next few months.
- Until they reach 8 months, more or less, that will be their home. During that time the rest of their body will develop, since they only have their arms formed.
- Over the next 6 months he will make a gradual change, going back and forth from the bag, until he is totally independent.
What do you need for a kangaroo to be born?
Given the little time that the young spend developing inside the mother, they have some needs to get by. The birth of a kangaroo is somewhat complicated, since it consists of several phases that involve some danger. For everything to go well and a healthy calf to be born, you will need:
- 28-36 days of gestation. Given the little time they have before they are born, they do so without hair. You cannot use your sight or hearing.
- The trail of saliva to guide the young.
- The baby will need to make this journey in a time not much greater than 3 minutes.
- 8 months in the bag to complete its development.
- Protection of his mother on the move, using the hide bag. In this way it avoids predators.
- 6 more months to continue feeding.
Tips for a kangaroo is born
Due to our concerns, we are not aware of the damage we do to the planet. But it must be one of our priorities, since without a planet there will be no problems to deal with. Global warming is a big problem that affects numerous species and, in general, the well-being of the Earth. Consequently, three of the most important kangaroo species are in danger of extinction as they cannot adapt to the changes that the planet is undergoing. We must know how to take care of animals if we want to conserve the species. According to calculations, by 2030 the temperature could rise two degrees. It is a change to the naked eye soft but it affects most of the planet. Three species of kangaroos could disappear to 89%. We are not the only ones on the planet.
There are countless species that collaborate and without which it would be possible for the Earth to continue existing. So we must be aware of our actions, especially small actions. Another danger to kangaroos is humans. Despite being a protected animal, it is still the target of many hunters. Being a very exotic animal, it is the desire of many. Either captures him dead or alive. There is also not much difference between those two options. If we have a kangaroo locked up, it will not take long for it to die or worsen its health. These animals are used to the environment in which they live and doing so freely.
If we want to know more, or have visual documents of the birth or reproduction of kangaroos, YouTube is our ally. We will find documentaries in which we will be able to see in real time the mating of the kangaroos and the birth of the young. They are beautiful and interesting videos. Above all, the use they give to the bag to breastfeed the baby kangaroo. Nor does their jumping ability or the speed they reach while moving go unnoticed.