Kangaroo Boxing | Attenborough | BBC Earth

Grey kangaroos live out on the relatively well-watered grassy plains. They are among the most sociable of all Australian marsupials. But living in groups can lead to problems in getting on together. Last season's joeys are fast approaching independence, which means that their mothers will soon be ready to mate again. Males use their sense of smell to find out if a female is sexually available and will court her for several days. Having found one who seems to be promising, a male stays close to her side to try and ensure that he and no other male mates with her. The most dominant male is likely to be the one to father most of the next generation and that is something worth fighting for. Joeys also fight, but it's just play boxing, a way of learning skills that will be important in later life. But it's not always a fair fight. Fortunately, this little one still has mother to see off the neighbourhood bully.