long-footed potoroo

marsupial

Also known as: Potorous longipes

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The long-footed potoroo is a species of rat kangaroo, which are small marsupials native to Australia and Tasmania. Rat kangaroos belong to the families Potoroidae and Hypsiprymnodontidae and are related to kangaroos.1

Key characteristics of rat kangaroos include:
* Size: Typically rabbit-sized or smaller.1
* Tail: Possess prehensile tails used for carrying nesting materials.1
* Diet: Primarily eat grass, tubers, and fungi, with some also consuming grubs and worms.1
* Activity: Most are nocturnal, though the musky rat kangaroo is diurnal.1
* Threats: Vulnerable to predation, especially from introduced foxes, leading to reduced ranges or extinction for many species.1

The long-footed potoroo (Potorous longipes) is a rare species, considered endangered by the IUCN, and its habitat is limited to specific forested areas in Victoria and New South Wales, Australia.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

rat kangaroo
The largest species, the long-footed potoroo (P. longipes), was described in 1980; it is very rare, and the IUCN considers it an endangered species. The long-footed potoroo’s habitat is limited to a handful of forested areas in northeastern Victoria and southeastern New South Wales.
Read More
The largest species, the long-footed potoroo (P. longipes), was described in 1980; it is very rare, and the IUCN considers it an endangered species. The long-footed potoroo’s habitat is limited to a handful of forested areas in northeastern Victoria and southeastern New South Wales.
Read More