Forester kangaroos...unique to Tasmania!

The Forester kangaroo is the largest marsupial in Tasmania. It is considered to be subspecies of the Eastern grey, which occurs on the East Coast of mainland Australia. Colour varies from light brownish grey to grey. They have relatively large ears, and differ from the other two species in having hair between the nostrils and upper lip. Family groups often make clucking sounds between themselves and give a guttural cough when alarmed.

In Tasmania the population was heavily reduced in the 1950s and 60s, due to shooting and landclearing. By 1970, Forester kangaroos were to be found in only two areas; parts of the Midlands and the far north-east of Tasmania. This was less than 10% of its range at the time of European settlement, and there were concerns expressed for the forester's long-term survival.

Like most kangaroos, Foresters often feed during the day, but mostly in the early morning and evening. Grasses and forbs comprise the diet. Forester kangaroos are partially social animals that are usually seen in family groups of three or four, but may occur in loosely associated mobs of more than ten.

Births occur all year, and depending on weather, with a peak in the summer. The joey lives in the pouch for 11 to 12 months, but is still dependent on the mother until 18 months old. The species is wholly protected in Tasmania, except that farmers can get permits to shoot them. likeall other kangaroos, the Forester has embryonic diapause, and can hold back the birth of her joey if food is in short supply due to drought.