User:Jacine wee

Article on Australia Kangaroo--Jacine wee 06:14, 25 January 2007 (UTC)Kangaroos are native to the Australian continent and to parts of Papua New Guinea. Most species are only found in Australia.

There are over 60 different species of kangaroo and their close relatives. All kangaroos belong to the super-family Macropodidae (or macropods, meaning 'great-footed').

The macropod family includes kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, pademelons, tree-kangaroos and forest wallabies. These species are also found in Papua New Guinea. Species in the macropod family vary greatly in size and weight, ranging from 0.5 kilograms (1.1 pounds) to 90 kilograms (200 pounds). The Potoroinae (potoroid) family of kangaroos includes the potoroo, bettong and rat-kangaroo. This family of kangaroos lives only in Australia.

Kangaroos of different types live in all of the diverse areas of Australia, from cold-climate rainforests and desert plains to tropical areas.

Kangaroos are native to the Australian continent and to parts of Papua New Guinea. Most species are only found in Australia.

There are over 60 different species of kangaroo and their close relatives. All kangaroos belong to the super-family Macropodidae (or macropods, meaning 'great-footed').

The macropod family includes kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, pademelons, tree-kangaroos and forest wallabies. These species are also found in Papua New Guinea. Species in the macropod family vary greatly in size and weight, ranging from 0.5 kilograms (1.1 pounds) to 90 kilograms (200 pounds). The Potoroinae (potoroid) family of kangaroos includes the potoroo, bettong and rat-kangaroo. This family of kangaroos lives only in Australia.

Kangaroos of different types live in all of the diverse areas of Australia, from cold-climate rainforests and desert plains to tropical areas.

Kangaroo management and use Kangaroos have long been important to the survival of Australia's Indigenous peoples. Aboriginals have hunted kangaroos for tens of thousands of years, for both the meat and the skins. When Europeans arrived in Australia in the late eighteenth century, they too hunted kangaroos for survival.

Kangaroos continue to be used as a resource but only under strict government controls. All Australian States and Territories have legislation to protect kangaroos. Only the four most abundant species of kangaroo and small numbers of two common wallaby species can be commercially harvested, and then only by licensed hunters.

Kangaroo harvesting and the environment The Australian rangeland environment is fragile and easily degraded. Kangaroo populations have increased dramatically since European settlement in these areas due to the introduction of European farming methods, with additional water for domestic stock.

Kangaroo harvesting, carried out under the strict environmental controls provided by the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, is an environmentally friendly and uniquely Australian industry. Kangaroos have evolved as part of the Australian ecosystem and, with their soft feet, do not cause soil erosion or landscape damage on the rangelands they graze. The commercial harvesting of widespread and abundant kangaroo species contributes to the sustainability of the Australian environment.

The four species of kangaroo that are commercially harvested have very large populations. None is threatened or endangered. The Red kangaroo, Eastern grey kangaroo and Western grey kangaroo are the most abundant species and make up over 90 per cent of the commercial harvest. Their combined population size has fluctuated between 15 and 50 million animals over the past 20 years in the harvested areas, depending on seasonal conditions.

The harvesting of kangaroos is decided on a quota basis that is reviewed annually. Quotas are set on the basis of population size and trends and long-term climate predictions. Conservation of the species remains the foremost consideration. This approach ensures that the harvesting of kangaroos is managed in an ecologically sustainable way.

There is no farming of kangaroos in Australia. Kangaroos are harvested in the wild by licensed hunters The kangaroo industry Australia's kangaroo industry began exporting kangaroo meat to Europe in 1959 in response to interest from the European game meat industry. Today kangaroo meat and skins are exported all over the world.

The live export of kangaroos is prohibited under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. There are a few exceptions where the purpose is non-commercial, for example, inter-zoo exchanges.

Where kangaroos are taken for commercial use, they must be killed instantly by a licensed, fully trained hunter. An Australian Senate Select Committee on animal welfare, after an extensive investigation, concluded that: 'There is no doubt that the shooting of kangaroos by professional shooters is the most humane way of killing kangaroos'.

Kangaroo harvesting and processing is subject to strict regulations and all hunters face penalties if they do not abide by the National Code of Practice for the Humane Killing of Kangaroos.

Currently, four species of kangaroo are being commercially harvested for export.

Kangaroo products processed for export, including meat, must undergo inspection by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) officials. A breach of government regulations relating to the export of kangaroo meat may lead to fines of up to A$250 000 or imprisonment of up to ten years or both.

Kangaroo meat The Australian kangaroo industry estimates that it exports kangaroo meat to more than 55 countries. Kangaroo meat is increasingly popular, and export markets are expected to increase. It is considered one of the finest game meats. Its growing appeal stems from its well-flavoured, slightly gamey taste. Kangaroo meat contains very little saturated fat relative to other meats and is high in protein, zinc and iron.

The European Union and Russia are the most significant markets with the USA and Asia becoming increasingly important. All kangaroo meat processed for export undergoes strict inspection by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to ensure that it is fit for human consumption.

In addition, all kangaroo meat processing plants must have a certificate of registration and are examined and certified in accordance with the strict requirements of importing countries Kangaroo meat The Australian kangaroo industry estimates that it exports kangaroo meat to more than 55 countries. Kangaroo meat is increasingly popular, and export markets are expected to increase. It is considered one of the finest game meats. Its growing appeal stems from its well-flavoured, slightly gamey taste. Kangaroo meat contains very little saturated fat relative to other meats and is high in protein, zinc and iron.

The European Union and Russia are the most significant markets with the USA and Asia becoming increasingly important. All kangaroo meat processed for export undergoes strict inspection by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to ensure that it is fit for human consumption.

In addition, all kangaroo meat processing plants must have a certificate of registration and are examined and certified in accordance with the strict requirements of importing countries