Kangaroo: Portrait of an Extraordinary Marsupial - Softcover

Jackson, Stephen; Vernes, Karl

Softcover

ISBN 10: 174175903X ISBN 13: 9781741759037

Publisher: Allen & Unwin, 2011

Synopsis

The remarkable social, anecdotal, and historical story of Australia's most famous marsupial, recognized the world over for its adorable pouch and trademark hopping From their ancient origins and prehistoric significance to current-day management and conservation, this book describes the ecology, history, and behavior of these unique animals. The amazing diversity of this group of animals is revealed, from tiny forest dwellers and tree kangaroos to large majestic animals living on the open plains of central Australia and the giant kangaroos that once roamed the Pleistocene landscape. It describes their interaction with both the original inhabitants and the European settlers of Australia and addresses the issue of how the population of these animals can be best managed, making the points that some species are heading for extinction due to habitat loss while others have increased in numbers since humans first settled in Australia. The authors also investigate the animal's natural history—their unique reproduction methods, intriguing behaviour, varied diet, and trademark hopping ability; and examines humans' sustained fascination with kangaroos—spanning 40,000 years—that allows these engaging marsupials to be instantly recognized.

About this title

About the Author:

Stephen Jackson has worked in the wildlife industry for 20 years as a field biologist, zoo keeper, wildlife park curator, and government zoo regulator. He is the author of Australian Mammals: Biology and Captive Management and Koala. Karl Vernes is a professor of environmental and rural sciences, specializing in kangaroos.

About this edition

• Publisher: Allen & Unwin
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 174175903X
• ISBN 13: 9781741759037
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 338