The animal kingdom features many descriptive names for groups of animals, known as collective nouns, which often reflect a unique behavior. While the group names for some animals are widely known, the term for a gathering of kangaroos is frequently a source of curiosity. The specific word used to describe a kangaroo group is rooted in Australia’s unique language and the animals’ social interactions.
The Primary Collective Noun
The most widely accepted term for a group of kangaroos is a “mob.” This word has a long history in Australian English, with its usage dating back to 1846. In this context, “mob” signifies a casual, often large collection of animals, differing from the more aggressive connotations the word may carry outside of Australia.
While “mob” is the standard term, kangaroos may also be referred to as a “troop” or a “court.” These alternatives are less common but are recognized collective nouns for macropods. These aggregations typically consist of ten or more individuals, though the exact size and stability fluctuate depending on the environment.
Understanding Mob Behavior
Kangaroos form these groups primarily to gain a collective advantage in their environment. Living in a mob minimizes the risk of predation from dingoes and feral dogs. The presence of multiple animals allows individuals to spend less time being vigilant for threats and more time foraging for food.
When a threat is detected, one member may thump its tail against the ground, an alarm signal that sends the entire group bounding away, often in different directions to confuse a predator. Protection also comes from the largest males, sometimes called “boomers” or “old men,” who dominate the social hierarchy. These males establish their status through ritualized “boxing” using their forepaws and powerful hind legs, ensuring access to females and maintaining a structured group dynamic.
Mob sizes vary considerably between species and location, reflecting resource availability. Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which live in fertile eastern regions, often form larger, more stable mobs, sometimes exceeding fifty individuals. Red Kangaroos, which inhabit the arid interior, tend to be more solitary and form smaller, looser groups. The decision to join or leave a mob is fluid, indicating that their social structure is an adaptive response to immediate ecological conditions.
Collective Nouns for Related Marsupials
The use of “mob” is not exclusive to kangaroos; it is also a recognized collective noun for their smaller relatives, the wallabies. Wallabies are macropods and share the same collective nouns, being referred to as a “mob,” “troop,” or “court.” This overlap highlights the close biological and behavioral link within the Macropodidae family.
Other Australian marsupials have unique collective nouns. A group of wombats, for example, is sometimes called a “wisdom.” These collective names add a layer of trivia to the study of Australia’s diverse wildlife.