Macropus giganteus

Eastern Grey Kangaroo at Weston, ACT

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Identification history

	Macropus giganteus	9 Feb 2020	DonFletcher
	Macropus giganteus	9 Feb 2020	AliceH

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7 comments

Mike wrote:

10 Feb 2020

I see these on my driveway in the morning. The kangaroos come down from Isaacs Ridge to look for food.

DonFletcher wrote:

10 Feb 2020

Hi Alice, contrary to some books, the difference between scats of some of the kangaroo and wallaby species is not enough for 'in the hand' ID, eg EGK and RNW. But the number of RNW in Lyons would be few, probably none, so I am willing to confirm this time.

AliceH wrote:

10 Feb 2020

Hi Don thanks :) I wondered if their scat would be sufficiently distinct. Is the issue distinguishing between a young EGK and RNW? Or is there just sufficient variability between animals to make it an unreliable indicator?

AliceH wrote:

10 Feb 2020

Hi Michael I see them on Oakey and on our side of the Oakey underpass but on the top street. This is the first time I have seen evidence of them moving into the Fowles St Woodland park. I am beyond excited:) They nibbled on some kangaroo grass :)

DonFletcher wrote:

10 Feb 2020

Hi again Alice. 'Beyond excited' is charmingly lovely. EGKs are overlooked by many people but they are lovely nd fascinating animals. I hope you get a lot of pleasure from observing them. I did a PhD on grass nibbling by EGKs so I might be 'beyond excitement 'too, but in a different way. Kangaroo Grass is their favourite grass.

DonFletcher wrote:

10 Feb 2020

I forgot to answer your Q. The reason is high overlap in diet between RNW and EGH, and high variability between individuals of each species. In contrast, Black (Swamp) Wallaby also browses, as well as grazing, so scat content is coarser, and also BW scats often include some long thin scats (higher water content).

AliceH wrote:

11 Feb 2020

Hi Don I admit I am unable to hide my enthusiasm :) A Phd in the grass nibbling of EKG's is very cool :) I have become equally enthusiastic about soils and as part of this pre occupation I located an area out the back of the yarralumla nursery where many EKG's congregate under deciduous trees so I could harvest their scat and add that nutrient to the soils in the Fowles St Woodland park. It is beyond my expectations to think that they may come and leave little deposits as they naturally should of their own accord :) Thank you for the clarification re RNW and EKG scat it really is fascinating.

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