A small, nocturnal rat kangaroo with long hindlimbs and typically a hopping gait, native to Australia and Tasmania.
Genus Potorous, family Potoroidae: three species
‘At the other end of the scale from the six large types mentioned above are the rat/rabbit-sized bettongs, potoroos and rat-kangaroos.’
‘Thousands of rare Australian animals, such as endangered numbats and long-nosed potoroos, face a precarious future as a company set up to ensure their survival faces extinction itself.’
‘It seems likely that either the cessation of Aboriginal burning - done to attract game species and clear the land - or the arrival of cats caused the extinction of the broad-faced potoroo.’
‘From this perspective, the potoroo's re-discovery could be seen, and presented, as evidence of sound scientific management of the landscape, albeit for a different target species.’
‘Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service concerns have seen the band move from using wallaby and potoroo skins to feral goat hide.’
Origin
Late 18th century probably from Dharuk badaru.
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