Kangaroo vs. Wallaby: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 7, 2024
Kangaroos are large marsupials known for powerful hind legs and large size, while wallabies are smaller, more compact relatives with similar features.
Key Differences
Kangaroos are distinct for their large size, often reaching over 6 feet tall, with powerful hind legs adapted for leaping. In contrast, wallabies are considerably smaller, usually reaching around 3 feet in height, and are known for their agility in dense forest areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
The habitat of kangaroos typically includes open plains and grasslands across Australia, where they use their strong legs to travel long distances. Wallabies, however, are more commonly found in wooded or rocky environments, where their smaller size is advantageous.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
Kangaroos have a more robust and elongated build, with long feet and a strong tail used for balance. Wallabies, on the other hand, have a more compact and stocky physique, with proportionally shorter limbs and broader faces.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
In terms of social structure, kangaroos are often seen in large groups known as mobs, which helps in providing protection against predators. Wallabies tend to be more solitary or live in smaller groups, reflecting their more forested and rugged habitats.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
Kangaroos are known for their iconic status in Australia, symbolizing the unique wildlife of the continent. Wallabies, while also symbolic of Australian fauna, are less recognized globally but are similarly cherished for their unique characteristics and adaptability.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Physical Build
Robust, elongated, with long feet
Compact, stocky, with shorter limbs
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Feb 07, 2024
Social Structure
Live in large groups (mobs)
More solitary or in smaller groups
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Feb 07, 2024
Global Recognition
Highly recognized as a symbol of Australia
Less recognized but cherished in Australia
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
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Kangaroo and Wallaby Definitions
Kangaroo
A large marsupial native to Australia, known for its powerful hind legs.
The kangaroo leapt across the field with ease.
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Jan 25, 2024
Wallaby
A small to medium-sized marsupial, similar to a kangaroo but smaller.
The wallaby grazed quietly in the bushland.
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Jan 25, 2024
Kangaroo
Kangaroo refers to an animal famous for its strong tail and jumping ability.
A kangaroo uses its tail for balance when hopping.
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Jan 25, 2024
Wallaby
A species in the family Macropodidae, characterized by its shorter limbs and broader face.
The wallaby's face is broader compared to a kangaroo's.
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Jan 25, 2024
Kangaroo
A symbol of Australian wildlife, characterized by its unique locomotion.
The kangaroo is often used as a symbol in Australian emblems.
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Jan 25, 2024
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Wallaby
An Australian marsupial, known for its agility and compact size.
The wallaby bounded away as we approached.
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Jan 25, 2024
Kangaroo
An iconic Australian animal, often seen in groups known as mobs.
We saw a mob of kangaroos during our trip to the Outback.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 25, 2024
Wallaby
A creature often found in rocky or wooded areas in Australia.
We spotted a wallaby near the rocky outcrops.
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Jan 25, 2024
Kangaroo
Any of various large herbivorous marsupials of the family Macropodidae of Australia and adjacent islands, having short forelimbs, large hind limbs used for leaping, and a long tapered tail.
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Jan 22, 2024
Wallaby
Wallaby refers to a smaller relative of the kangaroo, adapted to forested habitats.
Wallabies are adept at maneuvering through dense vegetation.
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Jan 25, 2024
Kangaroo
A member of the Macropodidae family of large marsupials with strong hind legs for hopping, native to Australia.
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Jan 22, 2024
Wallaby
Any of various marsupials of the family Macropodidae of Australia and adjacent islands, resembling kangaroos but generally smaller.
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Jan 22, 2024
Kangaroo
A hooded jacket with a front pocket, usually of fleece material, a kangaroo jacket.
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Jan 22, 2024
Wallaby
Any of several species of marsupial; usually smaller and stockier than kangaroos
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Jan 22, 2024
Kangaroo
To practice kangaroo care on an infant; to hold a premature infant against the skin.
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Jan 22, 2024
Wallaby
Any one of numerous species of kangaroos belonging to the genus Halmaturus, native of Australia and Tasmania, especially the smaller species, as the brush kangaroo (Halmaturus Bennettii) and the pademelon (Halmaturus thetidis). The wallabies chiefly inhabit the wooded district and bushy plains.
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Jan 22, 2024
Wallaby
Any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos often brightly colored
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Jan 22, 2024
Kangaroo
Characterized by rapidly jumping prices in securities markets or by belief that the prices are unstable in contrast to bear and bull markets.
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Jan 22, 2024
Kangaroo
Any one of numerous species of jumping marsupials of the family Macropodidæ. They inhabit Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands, They have long and strong hind legs and a large tail, while the fore legs are comparatively short and feeble. The giant kangaroo (Macropus major) is the largest species, sometimes becoming twelve or fourteen feet in total length. The tree kangaroos, belonging to the genus Dendrolagus, live in trees; the rock kangaroos, of the genus Petrogale, inhabit rocky situations; and the brush kangaroos, of the genus Halmaturus, inhabit wooded districts. See Wallaby.
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Jan 22, 2024
Kangaroo
Any of several herbivorous leaping marsupials of Australia and New Guinea having large powerful hind legs and a long thick tail
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Jan 22, 2024
Kangaroo
A mammal from the family Macropodidae, notable for carrying its young in a pouch.
A baby kangaroo, called a joey, stays in its mother's pouch for months.
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Jan 25, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Where do kangaroos naturally live?
Primarily in Australian grasslands and open plains.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
Do kangaroos have unique adaptations?
Yes, like their strong tails for balance.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
Can wallabies hop as far as kangaroos?
They can hop efficiently, but not as far as kangaroos.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
Are wallabies a common sight in Australia?
Yes, they are common but less so than kangaroos.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
How do wallabies differ from kangaroos in appearance?
Wallabies are more compact with shorter limbs.
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Feb 07, 2024
Are wallabies protected in Australia?
Yes, many species are protected, but their status varies.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
Do wallabies also have a pouch for their young?
Yes, like kangaroos, they carry their joeys in a pouch.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
What is the diet of a wallaby?
They eat grasses, leaves, and sometimes fruits.
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Feb 07, 2024
Are wallabies solitary animals?
They tend to be more solitary or live in smaller groups.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 07, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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