This book provides a clear and accessible account of kangaroos, showing how their reproductive patterns, social structure and other aspects of their biology make them well adapted to Australia’s harsh climate and demanding environment. Since the last edition of this book nearly 20 years ago, much more is now known about the biology and ecology of these iconic animals. This completely revised edition describes these new perspectives and attempts to counter the many urban and rural myths that still exist.
Appreciation of diversity of kangaroos in Australia and their lifestyles
Insight into the ecology of kangaroos as it pertains to conservation issues
Provides an understanding of the historical evolution of a major group of Australian mammals
Preface to the first edition
1 What are kangaroos?
2 Types of kangaroo
3 Population structure, dispersal and mortality
4 Social organisation
5 Reproductive biology
6 Life history
7 Living in the environment – feeding
8 Living in the environment – environmental physiology
9 Kangaroos and humans – Aborigines
10 Kangaroos and humans – Europeans
Natural history enthusiasts in both urban and rural areas
Wildlife biologists and ecologists
Senior school students, undergraduate students
Local, State and Federal Government departments
"The book is written well and is illustrated to good effect." Rob Wallis, The Victorian Naturalist, pp. 56-57, Vol 130 (1) 2013
"The book is well illustrated with charts, diagrams, tables, and photographs (both black and white and color). An essential resource for all biology/zoology collections. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries."
C.E Buckley, CHOICE Magazine, January 2013
"With an updated bibliography, this new synthesis is a clear and useful account." Evelyne Bremond-Hoslet, De Gruyter, p. 244, 2013
"I think this volume will form a valuable part of the libraries of ecologists, teachers, and conservation managers." Euan G. Ritchie, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 88, No. 4 (December 2013), p. 363
Terence Dawson has studied kangaroos for 45 years, largely at the UNSW, including 30 years as a Professor. Although he retired in 2002, he still actively researches. He has authored over 160 refereed publications and two books. He initiated the UNSW Press Australian Natural History Series, and was the founding Series Editor.