Dozens of fascinating species inhabit the wild. Some amaze people with their unrivaled hunting abilities, while others amaze them with their incredible stealth skills. However, some animals are extremely important to certain human communities. Kangaroos, one of the symbols of Australia, are extremely important to the continent's inhabitants. So much so that Australians have adopted some of the kangaroo's character traits as national traits.
On the other hand, kangaroos make up the majority of creatures native to Australia. In fact, there are more kangaroos in Australia than people! But there are other things you should know about these unusual creatures. Here are 13 amazing facts about kangaroos you probably haven't heard before...
1. Male kangaroos perform a "muscular show" to impress females.
Male kangaroos use their powerful muscles for more than just fighting off rivals. Female kangaroos prefer more muscular males for mating. For this reason, male kangaroos are known to flaunt their muscles to impress females.
2. Kangaroos run to the water in case of danger.
Kangaroos don't have many enemies in the wild. However, they can still be attacked by various creatures from time to time. At such times, kangaroos' first instinct is to flee to the nearest wetland. The reason for this is quite interesting: kangaroos eliminate the threat by drowning their enemies in a puddle they create. If there are no wetlands in the area where a kangaroo attacks, it will attempt to defend itself with powerful kicks.
3. They jump out of necessity
Jumping is one of the most characteristic features of kangaroos. However, for them, this action is not a choice, but a necessity. This is because these curious creatures cannot move their legs independently of their body. For this reason, they cannot use their legs for walking. In fact, they don't really need to walk, as they can hop at speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour.
4. A kangaroo kick can kill a person!
5. Female kangaroos can terminate pregnancy.
Kangaroos have many interesting characteristics. But these characteristics make them truly incredible creatures. A pregnant kangaroo can abort if she chooses! In this case, the embryo's development does not continue. However, the kangaroo can resume pregnancy when she feels ready to become a mother.
6. Most kangaroos are left-handed.
Yes, humans aren't the only species in nature with a dominant hand! Most kangaroos use their left hands for everyday tasks.
7. The kangaroo population in Australia is greater than the number of people.
As of 2015, Australia had a population of approximately 25 million people. The country's kangaroo population during the same period was approximately 45 million!
8. Kangaroo meat is one of the most popular delicacies of Australian cuisine.
The country's high kangaroo population has made them an important food source for Australians. For this reason, "kangaroo steak" is a common dish in any restaurant across the country.
9. Kangaroos are the most common victims of road accidents in Australia.
Kangaroos cause 80 percent of road accidents involving animals.
10. Kangaroos can't sweat.
Because they don't have sweat glands, they spend most of their time in shaded areas during the hot summer months. When even the shade isn't cool enough, they urinate by licking their lips.
11. They cannot move backwards.
Large, muscular tails prevent kangaroos from jumping backward. However, this unique characteristic of these creatures is what Australians identify with their nation. A country that always moves forward and never goes back…
12. They can jump up to 3 meters high.
13. The average pregnancy period for female kangaroos is 3 months.
However, a newborn kangaroo almost never leaves its mother's pouch for four months after birth. However, after 10 months, it leaves this protected nest.