What is the largest living marsupial species, native to Australia?

The red kangaroo is the largest living marsupial species, native to Australia.

Adult males are substantially larger than females and can stand more than 1.5 metres tall when upright. Large males may weigh around 90 kilograms, although size varies with age, sex, and habitat. Males commonly have reddish-brown fur, while females are often blue-grey with a brownish tint, giving rise to the species’ common name.

Red kangaroos live across much of inland Australia, including deserts, grasslands, and scrub. They are grazing herbivores and can travel long distances between food and water. Their powerful hind legs allow them to move by hopping, an energy-efficient form of locomotion at speed.

The red kangaroo is sometimes confused with the eastern grey kangaroo, which is also widespread and large. However, the red kangaroo is generally heavier and more robust. Like other marsupials, it gives birth to a very underdeveloped young animal that completes much of its early development in the mother’s pouch.