Forester Kangaroo
Macropus giganteus
Meet the Forester Kangaroo
Habitat & Range
The Forester Kangaroo is Tasmania's largest marsupial and is the Tasmanian form of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo.
In Tasmania, Forester Kangaroos are mainly associated with open grassy forests, woodlands and areas where suitable grazing habitat occurs close to protective tree cover.
They are most common in the eastern and north-eastern parts of Tasmania.
What's on the Menu?
Forester Kangaroos are herbivores and feed primarily on grasses and other low-growing plants.
Their specialised digestive system allows them to process fibrous plant material efficiently. Like other macropods, they rely on microorganisms within their digestive system to help break down tough vegetation.
Amazing Adaptations
Powerful hind legs allow Forester Kangaroos to travel quickly and efficiently by hopping. Their large feet help provide propulsion, while their long muscular tail provides balance and support.
Their large ears can move to detect sounds from different directions, helping them remain alert to potential danger.
Female kangaroos have a pouch where their tiny newborn joey continues to grow and develop after birth.
Did You Know?
A newborn kangaroo is incredibly small. After birth, the undeveloped joey climbs through its mother's fur to reach the pouch, where it attaches to a teat and continues developing.
Behaviour
Forester Kangaroos are social animals and may gather in groups known as mobs, particularly when feeding.
They often spend quieter periods resting in sheltered areas and move into open grasslands to graze. Activity can occur during both the day and night, with feeding often increasing during the cooler parts of the day.
Kangaroos communicate through body posture, scent and movement. Powerful hind legs can also be used for defence when an animal feels threatened.
Conservation & Threats
Forester Kangaroos were once widespread across suitable Tasmanian habitat, but their range and numbers were greatly reduced following European settlement.
Maintaining suitable grassy woodland habitat and connected landscapes remains important for the species.
Road collisions are also a significant risk to kangaroos and other Tasmanian wildlife, particularly around dawn, dusk and at night.
Forester Kangaroos at Trowunna
Forester Kangaroos are part of the wildlife community visitors can experience at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Seeing these animals at close range provides an opportunity to appreciate their natural behaviour, adaptations and important place within Tasmania's environment.
Trowunna's approach encourages visitors to respect native wildlife while learning how everyday choices can help protect animals in the wild.
How You Can Help
- Slow down and watch carefully for wildlife, particularly around dawn, dusk and at night.
- Never feed wild kangaroos.
- Keep dogs under control around native wildlife.
- Give wild kangaroos plenty of space and never approach or corner them.
- Protect native grasslands, woodlands and habitat corridors where possible.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Please give Trowunna's kangaroos plenty of space and allow them to choose whether they approach you.
Do not chase, corner or attempt to handle a kangaroo. Only offer food supplied or approved by Trowunna, and always follow instructions from our wildlife keepers.