TRUTH OR TAIL

Tree kangaroos are actually unrelated to kangaroos

TAIL! Tree kangaroos belong to family Macropodidae along with the more familiar kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos and represent the only arboreal macropods. They do not hop as much as their relatives, but they do leap from tree to tree and use their powerful back legs for climbing up to 10 stories high. Just like ground-dwelling kangaroos, their substantial tails provide balance. They have adapted long claws that help them grip branches, and they are quick and stealthy in their high-up home.

Folivorous, tree kangaroos eat leaves and other plant matter including vines, orchids, herbs, and bark. Their thick fur is adapted to their arboreal habitat, repelling water and providing insulation and camouflage.

Tree kangaroo joeys are about one inch long at birth and like other marsupials, ride in their mother’s pouch for their first several months of life. Once mature, they leave to establish their own territory as they are generally solitary.