MIXED — Kangaroos can survive for long periods, sometimes months, without drinking water by obtaining moisture from the vegetation they eat, But Not Fully

Analysis summary

While kangaroos can survive for months without drinking by extracting moisture from food, they do eventually require water to survive, and the idea that they never drink is a common confusion with the kangaroo rat.

Evidence profile

Key findings

• Kangaroos are highly water-efficient and can survive for weeks or even months without drinking by extracting moisture from green plants, succulents, and morning dew.
• They possess specialized physiological adaptations, such as the ability to produce highly concentrated urine and licking their forearms to cool down via evaporation, which minimizes water loss.
• While they can endure long dry spells, most kangaroo species will drink water if it is available and may travel long distances to find water sources during severe droughts.
• The claim is often confused with the 'Kangaroo Rat,' a small desert rodent that can actually survive its entire life without ever drinking liquid water.

Citations