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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 33(1)

Estimating the age of kangaroos using eye lens weight

S. R. McLeod A D , J. P. Druhan A B and R. B. Hacker C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, NSW Department of Primary Industries,
Orange Agricultural Institute, Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.

B Present address: NSW NPWS, PO Box 656, Merimbula, NSW 2548, Australia.

C Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, NSW Department of Primary Industries,
PMB 19, Trangie, NSW 2823, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: steven.mcleod@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Wildlife Research 33(1) 25-28 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR04077
Submitted: 8 September 2004  Accepted: 29 November 2005   Published: 7 March 2006

Abstract

A method for estimating the age of red kangaroos (Macropus rufus), eastern grey kangaroos (M. giganteus) and western grey kangaroos (M. fuliginosus) is described. The method uses the dried weight of the eye lens to estimate age. The method is suitable for estimating the age of kangaroos of all ages.


Acknowledgments

This work was funded by NSW Agriculture and by the Murray–Darling Basin Commission’s Strategic Investigations and Education Program through project D8003. The research reported in this study was approved by the Orange Animal Ethics Committee, NSW Agriculture (Animal Research Authority ORA 98/005). Particular thanks are due to the property owners and kangaroo harvesters who provided access to their properties and extended hospitality during field work: Ken and Viv Turner, John and Janet Houghton, John Edmondston, Bob and Diana Browne, Bernard O’Shannessey, Robert Kemp, Chris Paull and Barry Brown. Matt Gentle, Greg Jones, Lynette McLeod and Peter West provided assistance with field work.


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