Our number one resident

 

If there is one thing that is synonymous with Deep Creek Conservation Park,

apart from the breath taking scenery, it’s the abundance

of western grey kangaroos (macropus fulginosus).

In some parts of the Park such as Goondooloo Ridge

mobs of several hundred can be seen at any time.

 

 

A fully grown male can weigh up to 54 kg, leap close to 12m in a

single hop and reach speeds of up to 60kph.

They feed mainly on grasses but can also be found foraging

amongst leafy shrubs using their fore-arms to reach higher foliage.

The sometimes comical ‘boxing’ contests that can be seen in mobs

help establish the dominance hierarchy among males and the right to mate.

 

 

 

Gestation is typically 30-31 days after which the incomplete foetus

resembling a jelly bean crawls to the teat in the pouch.

Here it suckles for a further 130-150 days.  Joeys  leave the pouch

after about 9 months but continue to suckle for a further 9 months.

And the reference to curry?  Well, adult males have a distinct ‘curry-like’

odour giving them the nick name of stinker.