Alpha males

Much like humans, in the world of the kangaroo, it's the ladies who get to pick which of the males are permitted to serve.

In the following images, a female has backed up to a corner of the house to prevent the lesser males from getting behind her.

Female backed up to house

Males looking on - waiting for an opportnuity

One of the males trying to intimidate the others by looking large.

He most likely - making his way towards the female

Him and her

The boxing that people often find so amusing, is the method that kangaroo males determine who is the strongest. Watching on, the females can then decide who they will allow to serve them.

As the house essentially acts as a hide, when mobs of roos surround the house, we become immersed into their activities and behaviour. For example, we've learnt that as show of respect, and to submit from a fight, male roos cower and cough. In most instances, this action will immediately stop a fight. And we can identify whether a joey is a girl (relaxed, sensible, attentive) or a boy (impatient, naughty, cheeky, always wanting to box - whether another joey, or mum's ears)

It should also help us humans understand, when people have been "attacked" by a roo, it is the roo interpreting that the human wants to box, "GAME ON" as they say. Especially when you consider our natural reaction is to stand up (look bigger) if confronted, whereas, cowering to a roo is the best way to prevent an "attack".