File:Red kangaroo standing in grass close up - DPLA - f60fe2817f703fb036a2f33ab1026cfd.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Diprotodonta; Family: Macropodidae; Genus: Macropus; Genus species: Macropus rufus. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: .75-1.4 m; Weight: 17-85 kg; Identification: The coat color of the red kangaroo varies from red to blue gray. The undersides are white and black, and there is a white patch on the sides of the muzzle. This kangaroo also has a white stripe that goes from its mouth to its ear; Habitat: Grassy arid plains; Diet: Herbivore: green herbage; Reproduction: This kangaroo species breeds throughout the year, although females may not breed during periods of drought. Gestation lasts 30-40 days. After birth, the single joey spends the next 240 days in the mother's pouch; Social Structure: Kangaroos gather in small herds led by a single male; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: The red kangaroo is the largest living marsupial species. At birth, the baby weighs only .75 grams. It has very well-developed front claws to help it climb into the mother's pouch.