Photo: C & D
Frith
Australia's Wet Tropics
Rainforest Life |
Musky Rat Kangaroo: Hypsiprymnodon moschatus
- It is a marsupial
- General body colour is rich brown
- Head is grey-brown in colour
- Dark brown tail covered with small scales creating a naked appearance.
- Distinguished from other members of its family by having five toes on its hind
foot.
- Travels via a slow "bunny-hop" movement.
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Habitat:
- Generally found in the dampest areas of the rainforest, especially near creeks
and rivers.
- Although mainly ground dwellers, Musky Rat Kangaroo’s have a first toe on
their hind foot, much like a possum, which allows them to climb on fallen branches and
trees.
- At midday and at night it sleeps in a nest of dried leaves and fern, most
commonly located in a clump of Lawyer Vine (Wait-a-while)
Diet:
- A specialised feeder, this kangaroo eats particular fruits of the rainforest
trees such as the fruits of the King Palm. Also feeds on small invertebrates.
Social Behaviour:
- Generally a solitary animal, but aggregations of up to three individuals has been
recorded.
Viewing Opportunities:
- In early morning and late afternoon, they can be seen along the creek, on the
pathways and feeding under the Avocado tree at Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge.
- Easily seen on the perimeter walks of Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine.
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