Forester Kangaroo

​​​​The Forester kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

  • ​largest marsupial in Tasmania, and the second largest in the world
  • adult males can reach over 60 kg and stand 2 metres tall
  • their colour varies from light brownish grey in males, to grey in females
  • they have thick tails and large ears
  • they make clucking sounds between themselves and give a guttural cough when alarmed

Dist​​ribution

They are common on mainland Australia where they known as the grey kangaroo. 

In Tasmania the Forester kangaroo is currently restricted to a number of isolated populations in central and northeastern Tasmania. Especially in:


In many areas of the mainland, the clearing of bushland, creation of improved pasture and provision of farm dams has upset the natural balance in favour of increased kangaroo numbers. In Tasmania, however, by the 1960's the species was reduced to less than 15% of its range at the time of european settlement.


Diet and behavi​​our

Foresters often feed during the day, but mostly in the early morning and evening. Grasses and forbs comprise the diet. 

Forester kangaroos are social animals that are usually seen in family groups of three or four, but may occur in loosely associated mobs of more than ten. 

The Forester kangaroo moves by hopping.

Kangaroos can damage crops and pastures where local populations are high. Due to their large size, they can also damage fences. As a result they can come into conflict with landholders. Find out more about living with kangaroos.

Bre​​edi​ng

Births occur throughout the year, with a peak in the summer. Gestation is 36 days. Pouch life lasts 11 months and weaning occurs at 18 months.

The Forester kangaroo is protected wildlife.


Aerial su​rvey​​

An aerial survey of Forester kangaroos was carried out across much of eastern Tasmania between 23 September and 3 October 2019. ​For further information please see ​the Wild Fallow Deer Census page on this website​. 

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