World Kangaroo Day on October 24 highlights the effects of climate change on Australia’s macropods. The macropodoidea superfamily comprises 59 species, including the red, western grey, eastern grey, and antilopine kangaroos. Total kangaroo populations range from 30 to 50 million, sometimes leading to controversial cull programs due to high numbers.
However, smaller macropod species, such as the musky rat-kangaroo, Gilbert’s potoroo, and tree-kangaroos, face more precarious situations. Six species of kangaroo have become extinct since Australia’s colonization, and 11 others are now endangered.
Source: Mongabay