The animal kingdom holds efficient but simple rules to life. Only the strong survive and only the strong reproduces.
Kangaroos on the move @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
There is no exception with Australia’s kangaroos. Mobs of these hopping marsupials average between three to five healthy females, lead by a dominant buck.
Boomer @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Also known as boomers. They were, and in some places still are on the indigenous food menu.
Boomer-rang @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Early aborigines threw pieces of wood at the kangaroos and hoped that would kill them.
Boomer youngster @ Hat Head, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Strong boomers fetched the wood and threw it back to the aboriginals, when they weren’t looking. And so the boomerang saga started.
Boomers pre-spa @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Kemp’s Corner at Hat Head National Park is prime roo territory and is highly priced on a rogue buck’s agenda. One of the females is in heat. A price worth fighting for.
A territory worth fighting for @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The leader of this mob has no option, other than defending his territory. The challenge is accepted. In all my years travelling around Australia, I never witnessed a kangaroo tail-off before. Not in close range nevertheless. While I was busy snapping away with my camera, the photos enlightened this ritual.
Bucks warning @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The challenger received a warning from the mob leader. This is my neighbourhood.
Ready when you are @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
But as so often, testosterone-fuelled a tussle. The ringleader of this mob positioned himself in between the rival and his females. Ready when you are.
Start up tussle @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Knowing how sharp and strong their hind-legs are, these two gladiators engaged in a wrestle at first.
Push and shove @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Pushing and shoving is quite hard if the opponent has a strong tail to lean on.
Sharp claws are best avoided @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
These sharp claws can damage softer tissue painfully, it’s best to keep the head out of reach.
Too close for comfort @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Clearly seen is the fact, that both contestants stood close to each other. Too close to use their kicking game.
Biting is part of the procedure @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
None gained a decent advantage from this roo shuffle, but biting is a cheap shot.
Vengance @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Big Boomer wasn’t impressed at all and countered with vengeance.
Neck on neck @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
To his credit, the opponent wasn’t intimidated either. It was neck on neck between them.
Lower bodies apart @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
While the upper body was still engaged with the rivals fur, the hind-legs stood further and further apart from each other. This is a perfect striking distance.
Martial arted @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The challenger was cornered by martial art.
First macropod @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
This was the opportunity to bring in heavy blows.
Counter punch @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The younger competitor knew what was coming and countered straight away. What a matchup right in front of my lens.
Kangaroo action @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The intensity of this fight increased by each action and reaction.
Contradicting @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The more experienced darker roo contradicted this kick well. It was an even matchup between these two feisty bucks.
A serious bounce @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Will the reigning ruler be victorious and keep his harem?
Anticipating the outcome @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
An experienced female and her offspring watched with anticipation.
Not done yet @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The challenger wasn’t quite convinced of his loss and subdued for another spa.
Technique is key @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Experience and technique come with age, something this youngster will practice.
Had enough? @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
The owner of this land made use of gravitational laws and used them to his advantage.
Boomers price @ Hat Head National Park, Northern New South Wales, Australia
Looks like he had done this many times before.
Travels with Ben 