Gilbert's potoroo

Gilbert's potoroo (Potorous gilbertii), sometimes called the "rat-kangaroo" or "garlgyte", is Australia's most endangered marsupial and one of the world's most endangered mammals. It is a small nocturnal marsupial which lives in small groups or colonies. It has long hind feet and front feet with curved claws which it uses to dig for food. Its body has large amounts of fur which helps with insulation, and its fur ranges between brown and grey; the color fading on its belly. This potoroo has a long, thin snout curving downward that it uses to smell its surroundings; this trait is common in all potoroo species. Its eyes appear to bulge out of its face and look as though they are on an angle and its ears are almost invisible, buried under thick fur. Male and female body types are very similar and are both within the same size range. Adult females range in weight from 708–1205 g (including pouch young where present), whereas adult males range in weight from 845–1200 g.[1]
The current estimated population is a sparse seventy individuals.[2] It was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1994.[3] The only naturally located population is found in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in Western Australia, where they co-exist with quokkas. Small populations are also being established at Bald Island and Michaelmas Island.
Category:Animals
Category:Creatures