Book excerpt: In this, the only up-to-date accessible and scientifically based book on Australia's principal icon, internationally known kangaroo researcher Terry Dawson gets to the heart of what makes these animals special. He shows how many features of their biology, such as their reproductive patterns, social structure and locomotor characteristics, confer great advantages in their adaptations to Australia's harsh climate and demanding environment. Besides covering widely the biology, ecology and behaviour of the ten different types of kangaroos, Professor Dawson compares European and Aboriginal cultural attitudes towards them. He explores such issues as hunting habits, conservation, kangaroos as agricultural pests, the economics of kangaroo ranching and the use of their products.