Not many species have been studied genetically in extreme depth or detail. Though their sizes vary hugely, the largest wallabies measure up to 180 cm (6 ft) from tail to head and weigh up to 20 kg (44 lbs). Can kangaroos and wallabies mate? Wallabies are smaller than kangaroos and distributed widely across Australia and neighbouring islands. The Red Kangaroo, the largest of all kangaroos, can weigh up to 90kg and grow to 1.8 metres high. There are around 30 different species of wallaby (macropod) from the scientific family Macropodidae (Macropodidae means ‘big feet’). This is probably very rare in the wild, but I imagine it has happened at some points in history, and some Kangaroo, Wallaby, and Walaroo species might have significant admixture. Most macropods have hind legs larger than their forelimbs, large hind feet, and long muscular tails which they use for balance. With regular feeding, a kangaroo or wallaby learns to approach people for food. As a rule, the kangaroo is generally much larger than the wallaby. Some marsupials, like kangaroos, can mate and conceive about a day after birth, but not before, says Brandon Menzies, a study co-author and researcher with the University of Melbourne. Come face to face with one of Australia’s most loveable and well known animals, the kangaroo! Coalition Says Kangaroos Should Not Mix With Domestic Pets. They are only found naturally in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Wallabies are typically small to medium-sized mammals, but the largest can reach 6 feet from head to tail. Kangaroos are usually larger than wallabies, which tend to be small (around 60 cm or 2 ft). Wallabies and kangaroos cannot be housetrained, nor should they mix with domestic animals; they can catch diseases off them. We need you to answer this question! Kangaroos & Wallabies. Their tails are long and muscular. Global Ideas What do you get if you cross a kangaroo with a wallaby? Some marsupials, like kangaroos, can mate and conceive about a day after birth, but not before, says Brandon Menzies, a study co-author and researcher with the University of Melbourne. But, if we get too close, they may see us as a threat. They have powerful hind legs they use to bound along at high speeds and jump great distances. Wallabies and kangaroos often mate the same day that they give birth, but the fertilised egg will not develop until the current joey is almost fully weaned - that is, ready to leave the pouch permanently. These wallabies are the only animal, besides the European brown hare, that can become pregnant while already pregnant. Macropod reproduction (kangaroo and wallaby) is truly fascinating. Other kangaroos and wallabies mate after giving birth, and we are yet to fully understand why the swamp wallaby has broken from this convention. Presumably, given this is the only marsupial to do so, and that relatively few mammals in general do this, … A wallaroo… linguistically at least. The Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) x Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) – hybrids are not uncommon in captivity and the female hybrids are fertile. Even without feeding, kangaroos and wallabies readily accept our presence if we show no aggression towards them.