Australia is home to the world’s largest population of marsupials, and the kangaroo is arguably the most iconic of these unique animals. Their vast numbers and widespread distribution across the continent make pinpointing a single location for the “most” a complex query. The highest concentrations are not typically found in dense coastal cities, but rather in the expansive interior rangelands where conditions are most favorable. To understand where these animals are most abundant, it is necessary to consider the distinct habitat preferences of the major species.
Australia’s Four Major Kangaroo Species
Four species are commonly referred to as the major kangaroos, each occupying a distinct ecological niche.
The largest is the Red Kangaroo, a massive marsupial whose males can weigh up to 90 kilograms and often have a distinct reddish hue. Females are usually blue-grey. These animals are adapted to the arid and semi-arid inland plains of Australia.
The Eastern Grey Kangaroo is the most numerous species overall, distinguished by its light grey fur and preference for more fertile, wetter eastern regions. This species is often found in open forests, woodlands, and coastal areas from Queensland down to Tasmania.
The Western Grey Kangaroo inhabits the southern and western parts of the continent, preferring denser vegetation and exhibiting a stockier build. The fourth major species is the Antilopine Kangaroo, which is more slender and confined to the tropical woodlands and open fields of northern Australia.
Mapping the Highest Population Concentrations
The most significant absolute numbers of kangaroos are concentrated in the inland rangelands, particularly across the eastern states. Queensland holds the largest overall population, estimated to be around 20 million animals. New South Wales follows closely with a population often ranging from 10 to 17 million, depending on the year and environmental conditions.
While Queensland has the highest overall count, concentrations vary by species. Red Kangaroos are found in peak densities in the western rangelands of New South Wales, particularly in far-west areas like the Tibooburra commercial zone. These areas are characterized by vast, flat, open plains that suit their foraging style.
The Eastern Grey Kangaroo reaches high densities in the wetter, eastern half of New South Wales and Queensland. They thrive in the open woodlands and grasslands of the eastern regions, with densities in suitable habitats sometimes approaching 100 individuals per square kilometer. This distribution highlights a distinction between absolute numbers by state and the highest density, which is typically found in the commercially managed regions of inland New South Wales and southern Queensland.
Key Environmental Drivers of Distribution
The high concentrations of kangaroos in the inland rangelands are a direct result of changes to the Australian landscape since European settlement. The provision of permanent water points, such as dams and troughs established for livestock, has significantly expanded the habitable range for kangaroos. This access to reliable water allows the animals to survive in arid areas that would have previously been unsuitable during dry periods.
Agricultural practices have also contributed to the population boom by creating ideal grazing conditions. The clearing of land for pasture and cropping has created large, open grassland habitats, which kangaroos prefer for foraging.
Kangaroos are highly resilient, and their population dynamics are heavily influenced by the boom-and-bust cycle of rainfall in the interior. Following periods of higher-than-average rainfall, the resulting abundance of quality vegetation triggers a population increase. This response, combined with the removal of large native predators like the dingo from pastoral zones, means that fewer natural controls exist to limit population growth when food and water are plentiful.