Variability in Grouping in the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Macropus giganteus I. Group Density and Group Size

Abstract

The effects of season, population density and habitat on group density and group size in the eastern grey kangaroo were examined. In an open forest habitat, both group density and group size increased significantly with population density, but no seasonal variation was detected for either parameter. The relationship with population density was logarithmic for group density and exponential for group size. In a tall shrubland habitat both group density and group size increased with population density, but the range of population densities sampled was too narrow for the nature of the relationships to be determined. Group density was significantly higher, and group size significantly lower, in the tall shrubland than in the open forest. Possible reasons for this difference in spatial dispersion between habitats are discussed.