Habitat and Home Range
Research indicates that extinct giant kangaroos, specifically the genus, had surprisingly small home ranges despite their large size, challenging previous assumptions about large mammals necessitating vast territories for survival.
Strontium isotopes from Protemnodon teeth suggest these giant kangaroos primarily fed within a limited area near in , indicating a localized habitat preference over expansive roaming.
Adaptations and Extinction
Protemnodon species, some weighing up to 170kg, are believed to have been more quadrupedal than hoppers, potentially due to their size exceeding the efficient hopping capacity, which might have limited their ability to adapt to changing climates.
The restriction to small home ranges, combined with climate change and habitat disruption, is suggested to have contributed to the extinction of Protemnodon, as they were unable to migrate to new areas when their rainforest habitat became unsuitable.