Rufous Bettong
Aepyprymnus rufescens
- Class
- Mammal
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 423
- Most observed in
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
The rufous rat-kangaroo or rufous bettong (Aepyprymnus rufescens) is a small, jumping, rat-like marsupial native to eastern Australia. It is the only species in the genus Aepyprymnus. The largest member of the potoroo/bettong family (Potoroidae), it is about the size of a rabbit. The rufous rat-kangaroo is active at night when it digs for plant roots and fungi, and like other marsupials it carries its young in a pouch. Though its range is reduced, the population is healthy and stable.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Rufous rat-kangaroo”.