Examples of Australian Animals that Eat Kangaroos include dingoes, foxes, humans, Tasmanian devils, and eagles.
Kangaroos are not typically thought of as prey animals, but there are a number of predators that will target them for food. Some of the most common kangaroo predators include dingoes, eagles, and pythons.
While these animals might not seem like they could take down a kangaroo, they are all well-adapted to hunting these large marsupials.
Kangaroos are actually too abundant in many parts of Australia, so a thriving population of predators is necessary to keep their population in check.
Examples of Australian Animals that Eat Kangaroos
1. Dingoes
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus dingo |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Australia |
The dingo is a type of wild dog that is found in Australia. These dogs are opportunistic hunters and will take down whatever prey they can find. While dingoes typically go after smaller animals, they will attack kangaroos if the opportunity arises. Dingoes will often hunt in packs, which gives them an advantage when taking on larger prey.
Dingoes are considered to be a pest by many farmers and ranchers, as they can kill livestock. In addition, dingoes pose a danger to humans, as they have been known to attack people. As such, there are a number of programs in place to control the dingo population in Australia.
Despite their reputation, dingoes are actually quite intelligent animals. They are able to learn new tricks and have been known to be loyal companions to humans. Dingoes are also one of the few animals that exhibit altruistic behavior, as they have been known to share food with other members of their pack.
Related Article: Are Dingoes Powerful Apex Predators?
2. Domestic Dogs
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
The most common predator of kangaroos is the domestic dog. Dogs are found throughout Australia, and they will often target kangaroos as prey. While most dogs are not large enough to take down a full-grown kangaroo, they can be a danger to young joeys. Dogs will typically attack kangaroos by chasing them down and biting them in the neck. This can cause serious injury to the kangaroo, and in some cases, it can be fatal.
3. Feral Cats
| Scientific Name | Felis catus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
Feral cats will rarely eat kangaroos, but traces of kangaroo meat have been found in their scat, indicating that they probably will opportunistically scavenge on their carcasses.
These animals are descendants of domestic cats that have gone wild, and they can be found throughout Australia. They would be able to use their sharp claws and teeth to tear into the kangaroo carcass to eat it.
4. Foxes
| Scientific Name | Canidae |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
Foxes are another common predator of kangaroos. They are found in many parts of Australia, and they are well-adapted to hunting these large prey animals. Foxes typically hunt kangaroos by stalking the weak, small, and young from a distance and then attacking them when they are close. They have been known to kill kangaroos by biting them in the neck, which can cause serious injury or death.
5. Goannas
| Scientific Name | Varanus |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | throughout most of Australia |
Goannas, also known as monitor lizards, are a type of lizard that is found throughout Australia. These animals are opportunistic predators and will eat anything that they can catch, including kangaroos. Goannas are usually found near water sources, where they can easily ambush their prey. They have sharp teeth and claws that help them take down prey as large as a kangaroo.
Monitor lizards are not venomous, but they can inflict a painful bite. They also have a potent musk gland that they use to deter predators or rivals. Despite their size and aggressive nature, monitor lizards are not considered dangerous to humans. In fact, they make popular pets in Australia. They are able to survive in a wide range of habitats, but prefer areas with access to water.
Goannas are an important part of the Australian ecosystem. They help to keep populations of smaller animals in check, which can prevent overgrazing of vegetation. They also provide a food source for larger predators, such as eagles and dingoes.
6. Humans
| Scientific Name | Homo sapiens |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Worldwide |
Humans are the biggest threat to kangaroos, as we hunt them for food and leather. In Australia, kangaroo meat is considered a delicacy and is often found in high-end restaurants. Kangaroo skins are also used to make leather goods, such as wallets and belts. As human populations continue to grow, we are putting more and more pressure on kangaroo populations.
Kangaroos are also threatened by habitat loss. As humans continue to develop land for agriculture and housing, kangaroo habitat is being destroyed. This leaves kangaroos with less and less space to live and feed. Kangaroos are also threatened by drought and climate change. Droughts are becoming more common in Australia, and this is having a devastating effect on kangaroo populations. Climate change is also causing temperatures to rise, which is making it harder for kangaroos to survive.
7. Tasmanian Devils
| Scientific Name | Sarcophilus harrisii |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | mainland Australia |
The Tasmanian devil is a small marsupial that is found only on the island of Tasmania. This animal is the largest land-dwelling carnivore in Australia and it has no natural predators. The Tasmanian devil is an opportunistic feeder and will eat any type of food that it can find. This includes carrion, insects, lizards, and small mammals. Tasmanian devils will also kill and eat kangaroos, although they are not a preferred food source.
The Tasmanian devil is a shy and solitary animal that is most active at night. During the day, it will often retreat to a den or hollow tree log. These animals are not good climbers and they are not able to swim.
The Tasmanian devil is endangered due to a devastating facial tumor disease that has caused the population to decline by more than 80%. This disease is spread through close contact between devils, and it is fatal. There is no known cure for this disease.
The Tasmanian devil is the national animal of Tasmania and it is an iconic species in Australia. These animals are protected under Australian law and there are several conservation programs in place to help boost the population.
8. Wedge Tailed Eagles
| Scientific Name | Aquila audax |
| Type of Animal | Bird |
| Range | mainland Australia including Tasmania, and New Guinea |
Wedge-tailed eagles are one of the most common predators of kangaroos. These birds of prey live in most parts of Australia and hunt by soaring high in the sky and then diving down on their prey. They have extremely sharp talons that can easily take down a kangaroo.
Interestingly, wedge-tailed eagles are also known to eat carrion (dead animals). In fact, they are one of the most common scavengers in Australia. This means that they will eat just about anything, including roadkill, dead livestock, and even garbage. They are very opportunistic predators and will take advantage of any opportunity to get a meal.
Wedge-tailed eagles are very large birds. They have a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) and can weigh up to 8 kilograms (18 pounds). Their plumage is dark brown with lighter colored wings. They have a very distinctive wedge-shaped tail, which is how they got their name.
Extinct Natural Predators of The Kangaroos
9. Marsupial Lion
| Scientific Name | Thylacoleo carnifex |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Australia |
The marsupial lion is a predator that is no longer found in the wild, but it was once one of the top kangaroo predators. This animal was the largest known carnivorous marsupial and it was well-adapted to hunting its prey. The marsupial lion typically lived in forested areas where it could easily ambush kangaroos. These large predators could take down animals as big as a red kangaroo, which is the largest type of kangaroo.
10. Megalania
| Scientific Name | Varanus priscus |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Australia |
The megalania is a type of giant lizard that used to roam the Australian continent. Although it is now extinct, it was once one of the top predators in Australia. The megalania was up to 20 feet long and weighed over 2,000 pounds! It is believed that this massive reptile could take down even the largest kangaroos. The megalania was a fearsome opponent, and it is thought that humans may have been responsible for its extinction.
The megalania is believed to have gone extinct around 50,000 years ago. However, there have been sightings of giant lizards in Australia as recently as the 1930s. These sightings could be of surviving megalanias, or they could be of a different type of giant lizard. Unfortunately, there is no way to know for sure what these sightings mean.
11. Tasmania Tiger
| Scientific Name | Thylacinus cynocephalus |
| Type of Animal | Mammal |
| Range | Tasmania, an island off the south coast of Australia |
The Tasmanian tiger, also known as the thylacine, was a large marsupial predator that was found in Australia and New Guinea. This animal looked similar to a dog or wolf, and it had stripes on its back that earned it the name “tiger.” The Tasmanian tiger was the top predator in its habitat, and it preyed on kangaroos, wallabies, and other small animals. Unfortunately, the Tasmanian tiger is now extinct due to hunting and habitat loss.
The Tasmanian tiger was a shy and elusive animal, which made it difficult for humans to study. However, we do know that this animal was a top predator in its habitat. The Tasmanian tiger had razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws that allowed it to kill its prey with ease. This animal was also an excellent jumper and runner, and it could reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour.
12. Wonambi
| Scientific Name | Wonambi naracoortensis |
| Type of Animal | Reptile |
| Range | Australia |
The Wonambi was a large snake that was found in Australia. It grew up to 10 feet long and is one of the few predators that will attack a kangaroo. The Wonambi will typically ambush its prey, using its powerful body to constrict the kangaroo until it suffocates. Once the kangaroo is dead, the Wonambi will coil around its meal and eat it head-first.
Conclusion
There are many animals that prey on kangaroos in Australia. Some of the most common predators include dingoes, goannas, dogs, foxes, pythons, and eagles. These animals have different methods of hunting their prey, but they all share one thing in common: they are effective at taking down kangaroos.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.