What is the difference between a Kangaroo and a Wallaby?

Question

I know they are both members of the Marsupial Family, indigeonous mainly to Oceanica, and look very similar.

So what are the primary differences. Wolfs and dogs are both from the canine family, but the dog is mostly domesticated. so what about the Marsaup's?

Answer 1

This is probably more info than you want but...

In terms of how closely related they are, they are all part of the same family (Macropodidae or "macropods", meaning "big feet") of 54 species. This family is subdivided into 11 genera (each genus is a group of very closely related species)

Kangaroos and lots of the common wallabies belong to the genus Macropus, and so are very closely related to one another, the only main differences being size and colour ('roos generally being larger).

The other 10 genera within the family include many other wallabies and wallaby-like animals:

Tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus)
New Guinea Forest Wallabies (Dorcopsis)
Lesser Forest Wallabies (Dorcopsulus)
Hare-wallabies (Lagorchestes)
Banded Hare-wallabies (Lagostrophus)
Nail-tailed Wallabies (Onychogalea)
Rock Wallabies (Petrogale)
Swamp Wallabies (Wallabia)
Pademelons (Thylogale)
Quokkas (Setonix)


The TaxonTree program on Animal Diversity Web (link below) allows you to explore the relationship between different species in a nice visual/ intertactive way.

Answer 2

At a long distance my sks 30/30 finds it easier to drop away the Roo. The Wallaby is too small a target anything over 500 meters. Tried a scope but no good and as ammo is around 4 bucks a round, it's bloody annoying loosing 20 rounds for no kill. Get in close to the Roos and get your moneys worth. Then , make a profit by lopping a tail and collecting the Bounty from the local Council Been thinking about selling the carcasses to local restaurants--anyone need Roo steaks on the menu just give me a tinkle. I usually go out twice a month and can deliver to your door metro Sydney. (for a fee of course) . Hope Ive been of help. I know the Farmers who allow me to cull on thier properties appreciate the effort.

Answer 3

There is no real difference between the kangaroos and wallabies that form this family - other than size. Wallabies are generally smaller species, with none weighing over 25 kilograms. Wallaby prefer a habitat of steep, hilly country. On the other hand, the larger kangaroos prefer open flat plains, woodland or open forest.

Answer 4

I think the wallaby is smaller than the Kangaroo, And I think they actually used a Wallaby in Skippy the bush Kangaroo rather than an actual Kangaroo, but don't quote me.

Answer 5

I think a wallaby is like a pony, an adult kangaroo below a certain height. Or it might be like the relation between a horse and a donkey.

Answer 6

I think a wallaby is much smaller but anatomically similar.

Answer 7

A wallaby is smaller.

Answer 8

basically wallabys are smaller versions of kangaroos

Answer 9

There's not a difference between the two other than their size.

Answer 10

Rooz is big,
Wallabys wannabe bigger