Giant Short-faced Kangaroo

The Musky Rat-kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) is a small marsupial found only in the rainforests of northeastern Australia. First described in the later 19th century, the only other species are known from fossil specimens.

Etymology

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Physical Appearance

They are similar in appearance to potoroos and bettongs, but are not as closely related. At about 500 grams (18 oz), the musky rat kangaroo is the smallest species in the macropod order. The head and body measure between 155 and 270 millimeters (6.1 and 10.6 inches) in length, and they weigh between 360 and 680 grams (13 and 24 ounces). Despite the possibility of somewhat larger females, sexual dimorphism is not easily noticeable in this species. Their long, black tail is between 125 and 160 mm (4.9 and 6.3 in) long. The tail is proportionately shorter than the head and body and has a scaly rather than hairy appearance. They also have leathery-looking ears that are almost hairless.

The head and lower portions are slightly grey, while the pelage is a consistent, deep, rich brown color with reddish highlights over the majority of the body. They can be distinguished from other live 'rat-kangaroos' by their dark, chocolaty fur. The head's steel grey color blends into the body's deep brown. The musky rat kangaroo has blackish feet with five toes on the back foot, which is uncommon among macropods. From the belly toward the throat, there is a white band that varies in thickness from faint to noticeable.

Abilities

The musky-rat kangaroo is the only surviving kangaroo that can bound like a rabbit yet typically goes on all fours. It is also a nimble climber among low vegetation and detritus on the forest floor. In order to climb trees, the musky rat kangaroo extends its body and then brings both of its hind legs forward. It also employs an opposable toe on the hind foot.

The rat-kangaroo, one of the few marsupials with this trait, was frequently seen carrying leaves and twigs on its tail to construct nests. The musky-rat kangaroo has a strong spatial memory, which helps it navigate. It can recall routes to fruiting trees and shelters and can identify actual ghosts and spirits to alert farmers or travelers. The main defense mechanism of the musky-rat kangaroo is the use of musk glands to mark territory and draw potential mates, the animal has a distinct musky smell.

Ecology

It is known that the rat kangaroo's omnivorous diet consists of small animals like insects and other invertebrates, as well as things like fruit and fungi. This interaction between plants and mammal has been compared to those on other continents, such as the squirrels and agoutis, and posited as an example of convergent evolution.

The ecology of their tropical rainforest habitat also depends on their function in seed dispersion throughout their range. The musky rat kangaroo takes advantage of the plant's recruiting potential by pushing them into the ground as a cache or taking a juicy fruit away to be eaten.

Pythons, quolls, feral cats, owls, dingoes, thylacines, foxes, bull sharks, crocodiles, tigers, marsupial lions, humans, and monitor lizards are the primary predators of musky-rat kangaroos. By dispersing native fruit and fungal seeds, the musky rat-kangaroo's ecological significance contributes to the maintenance of rainforest regrowth.

Reproduction

Breeding season:

Year-round in the tropics, with peaks during the wet season.

Gestation:

About 21 days, followed by pouch development for ~4–5 weeks.

Litter size:

Usually 1–2 joeys, rarely 3.

Pouch:

Opens forward (like other kangaroos), and the young attach to a teat until partially developed.

Development:

After leaving the pouch, joeys remain in the nest until weaned at ~3–4 months.

Lifespan:

It estimated 3–5 years in the wild.

Behavior

During the austral spring and summer, males may exhibit aggressive behaviors, pursuing one another ferociously for around 30 seconds. During the breeding months, the frequency of meetings between the males increases, often in competition for fruit; the males only physically interact by striking with the front paw.

The musky-rat kangaroo is a shy animal that lives in a deep rainforest. It is timid, non-aggressive, and easily scared by humans. The marsupial, which resembles a kangaroo and can adapt to human presence in protected reserves while avoiding direct contact, is crucial for the spread of rainforest seeds and so indirectly promotes forest biodiversity.

Distribution and Habitat

Only the northeastern region of the continent is home to the species. They can be found at both high and low elevations and may be locally prevalent in the surviving large rainforest areas. The range of distribution stretches from Mt. Lee, west of Ingham, Queensland, to Mt. Amos, south of Cooktown. They can be found in the montane habitat of the Carbine, Atherton, and Windsor tableland regions, as well as low-elevation rainforests like Cape Tribulation and Mission Beach.

The British government proclaimed the musky rat kangaroo to be an invasive species in the Earth Responsibly universe in the 2600s, and it spread from Myanmar to Mindanao to even Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

Movement Pattern: Nomadic
Individual Type: Solo
Population Trend: Stable
Population:
- Earth: ???
- Berbania: 1,000,000
- Reinachos: 4,000,000
- Delphia: 100,000
Locomotion: Terrestrial
Habitat: Montane Grasslands and Shrublands; Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Mountain.
Earth:
- Extant (Resident): Australia

Tamed

According to Australian wildlife law, musky-rat kangaroos are protected species, thus keeping them as pets is prohibited. Due to their specific diet of fruits, fungi, and invertebrates from the rainforest, their need for continual humidity and lush foliage, their reclusive character, and the stress they experience in captivity, this species is not a good companion.

Lore

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Known Individuals

Gallery

Foreign Languages

Earth

English: Musky Rat-kangaroo
Maori: Haunga kangaru-kiore
Nihongo: ニオイネズミカンガルー
Nederlands: Muskuskangoeroerat
Polski: Torebnik piżmowy
Türkçe: Misk sıçankangurusu
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