Desert Rat-kangaroo

Caloprymnus campestris

Conservation Status

Extinct

Mammalia · Diprotodontia · Potoroidae

About

The desert rat-kangaroo, also called the buff-nosed rat-kangaroo, plains rat-kangaroo or oolacunta, is an extinct small hopping marsupial endemic to desert regions of Central Australia. It was first recorded in the early 1840s and described by John Gould in London in 1843, on the basis of three specimens sent to him by George Grey, the governor of South Australia at the time.

Fun Fact

The last confirmed record of the species came in 1935 from near Ooroowilanie, east of Lake Eyre.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Lived in the desert regions of Australia, including clay pans, loamy flats, sand ridges, and gibber plain habitats.

Diet

Eat insects such as beetles and weevils.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

Habitat Destruction
Overexploitation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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