Kangaroos move uniquely, unlike most mammals. They do not walk conventionally, with alternating limbs. Instead, their locomotion involves specialized adaptations, primarily hopping and a “five-limbed” gait. Their anatomy is designed for these movements, making typical walking impractical.
Their Iconic Hopping Motion
The primary mode of locomotion for kangaroos is bipedal hopping. They propel themselves using both powerful hind legs simultaneously, pushing off the ground in unison. Their large, muscular tail extends behind them, acting as a dynamic counterbalance to maintain stability. This hopping motion is particularly energy-efficient at higher speeds, where kangaroos can maintain a consistent oxygen consumption rate even as their speed increases. They can cruise comfortably at speeds of 28 to 32 kilometers per hour (15 to 20 miles per hour) and can reach bursts of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour) over short distances, with larger species capable of bounding over 9 meters (30 feet) in a single hop.
The Five-Limbed Movement
When moving slowly, such as while grazing, kangaroos employ pentapedal movement. This gait involves their small forelimbs, powerful hind limbs, and tail as a “fifth limb” to support weight and move forward. In this coordinated sequence, the kangaroo places its forelimbs and tail on the ground, forming a stable tripod, allowing them to swing their large hind legs forward together. Research indicates that the tail provides substantial propulsive force, contributing as much mechanical work as a human leg walking at the same speed. This pentapedal gait is crucial for energy conservation at slower speeds, where hopping would be inefficient, and provides enhanced stability for navigating uneven terrain while foraging.
How Their Bodies are Built for Movement
The kangaroo’s body structure is highly specialized for its unique locomotion. Their disproportionately large and muscular hind legs, comprising up to three-quarters of their body weight, are equipped with long, elastic tendons that function like springs, storing significant elastic energy when compressed during landing and releasing it to propel the animal forward with each hop; this elastic energy recovery significantly reduces the muscular effort required, making hopping highly efficient. Their forelimbs are relatively small and primarily serve for balance, grooming, and support. The powerful, thick base of their tail contains over 20 vertebrae and robust muscles, enabling its role as both a counterbalance and propulsive “fifth limb.” The fused bones in their feet further contribute to the stiffness needed for efficient hopping, and this specialized anatomy, particularly the inability to move their hind legs independently, prevents them from performing the alternating limb movements characteristic of typical mammalian walking.