American kangaroo

The American kangaroo (Marcopopadelphis arctos), also known as the Arctic kangaroo, the hopping opossum, the kangaroo opossum, and the false kangaroo, is a species of kangaroo-like New World marsupial and the only living member of the family, Macropodadelphidae, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced to the tundra, rainforests, swamps, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across North America and South America to help boost biodiversity. The American kangaroo's covered by a coat of blue-gray hair, which is long during the winter or in freezing environments to protect it from the harsh cold weather, but is short and thin during the summer or in warm and hot environments to keep it cool. The American kangaroo is the largest known New World marsupial, with males that can grow up to a head-and-body length of 1.3–1.6 meters (4.3–5.2 feet) with a tail that adds a further 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) to the total length. The American kangaroo is a very large marsupial with long, pointed ears and a square shaped muzzle [snout/nose]. Like true kangaroos, it has two forelimbs with small claws, two muscular hind-limbs, which are used for jumping, and a strong tail which is often used to create a tripod when standing upright. The American kangaroo's legs work much like a rubber band, with the Achilles tendon stretching as the animal comes down, then releasing its energy to propel the animal up and forward, enabling the characteristic bouncing locomotion. The males can cover 8–9 meters (26.2–29.5 feet) in one leap while reaching heights of 1.8–3 meters (5.9–9.8 feet), though the average is 1.2–1.9 meters (3.9–6.2 feet). American kangaroos are capable of conserving enough water and selecting enough fresh vegetation to survive in an arid environment. The kangaroo's kidneys efficiently concentrate urine, particularly during summer. The American kangaroo primarily feeds on green vegetation, particularly fresh grasses and forbs, and can get enough even when most plants look brown and dry. At times, American kangaroos congregate in large numbers; in areas with much forage, these groups can number as much as 1,500 individuals. American kangaroos are mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, resting in the shade during the day. However, they sometimes move about during the day. American kangaroos rely on small or medium-sized bushes for shelter in extreme heat rather than rocky outcrops or caves. Grazing takes up most of their daily activities. The conservation status of the American kangaroo is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American kangaroo's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.