Most individuals have a white tip at the end of their tail.
The potoroo may also be identified by its darker colour, and its larger, more pointed nose which has a bare patch of skin above the nostrils. The species is widespread in Tasmania and are found on Flinders Island and Bruny Island. The potoroo is still found on the east coast of the mainland, where its range has decreased. Preferred habitat ranges from moderately dry grassy woodland to wet dense scrub under which it forms a system of tracks or 'runways'. The potoroo is nocturnal, spending the hours of daylight in thick vegetation.