Notes on Breeding, Growth and Longevity of the Forester or Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Macropus giganteus Shaw, in Tasmania

Abstract

Information is presented on 832 eastern grey kangaroos shot in the midlands and north-east districts of Tasmania. Young were born throughout the year, but with a marked summer peak. Females matured sexually in their second year and 16% gave birth in that year. Adult females almost all appeared to rear one young per year. The sex ratios of 202 pouch young did not differ significantly from 1 : 1. Males and females attained weights of approximately 60 and 30 kg, respectively, by the age of 8 y; their maximum recorded weights were 74 and 38 kg respectively. Longevity exceeds 12 y but only a small proportion of the population reaches this age.