Musky Rat-kangaroo
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Musky Rat-kangaroo[1] | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||||||
| Conservation status | ||||||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||||
| Hypsiprymnodon moschatus Ramsay, 1876 |
The Musky Rat-kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) is a rat-sized marsupial species found in the rainforests of New Guinea and northeast Australia. Although some scientists place this species as a subfamily (Hypsiprymnodontinae) of the family Potoroidae, the most recent classification places in the family Hypsiprymnodontidae with prehistoric rat-kangaroos. It is the smallest macropod that is quadrupedal and only diurnal. The Musky Rat-kangaroo is approximately 23 cm long, and eats fallen fruit as well as small invertebrates.
It moves by extending its forelegs and then bringing both of its hind legs forward.
The mothers have two to three babies, who stay in her pouch for about 21 weeks.
[edit] References
- ^ Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). in Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 56. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
- ^ Australasian Marsupial & Monotreme Specialist Group (1996). Hypsiprymnodon moschatus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.
[edit] External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
- Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
- Australian Natural History Safari
- Pictures and facts about the Musky rat kangaroo
 |
This article about a marsupial is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
