What is a tree kangaroo?
A tree kangaroo is a kangaroo that lives mainly in trees. Australia has two species, Lumholtz's and Bennett's tree kangaroos, both found only in the rainforests of far north Queensland.
Tree kangaroos have shorter, stronger hind legs than ground kangaroos, long curved claws and a long tail that helps them balance in branches. They can leap from tree to tree and jump down from heights of many metres without injury.
Lumholtz's tree kangaroo lives on the Atherton Tableland, while the larger Bennett's tree kangaroo lives in the Daintree and nearby lowland and upland rainforests. Several other species live in New Guinea.
Life in the canopy
Tree kangaroos feed mostly on leaves and fruit. They are mostly active at night and around dawn and dusk, spending the day resting high in the canopy.
They move awkwardly on the ground, but can walk forward by moving their legs separately, something ground kangaroos cannot do.
Habitat loss, dog attacks and road strikes are threats, and wildlife groups protect rainforest corridors.
Did You Know?
The Atherton Tableland's Malanda area is one of the best places to spot Lumholtz's tree kangaroos in the wild.