Wellington Range near Djulirri art complex, Northwest Arnhem Land
Giant Long Faced Kangaroo Protemnodon
Language Points
Guugu Yimithirr
Here is a painting of a very large kangaroo-like animal: the hind feet are very large, the front ones are painted with huge pointed claws and the face is longer than today’s kangaroos. The tail is much broader than today’s kangaroos. Some scientists think this could be the representation of a Protemnodon species that weighed 110-170kg. Today, a big male Eastern Grey Kangaroo weighs up to 90kg.
English
Here is a painting of a very large kangaroo-like animal: the hind feet are very large, the front ones are painted with huge pointed claws and the face is longer than today’s kangaroos. The tail is much broader than today’s kangaroos. Some scientists think this could be the representation of a Protemnodon species that weighed 110-170kg. Today, a big male Eastern Grey Kangaroo weighs up to 90kg. [Images’ permissions TBD]