Musk kangaroo

What is a "musk kangaroo"?

The musk kangaroo, or musky rat-kangaroo, is a small marsupial that measures around 25-30 cm in length, excluding its prehensile tail. It has a distinctive appearance with its reddish-brown fur, compact body, and long, slender hind legs adapted for hopping. The musk kangaroo is known for its terrestrial habits, spending much of its time on the forest floor searching for food, which primarily consists of fallen fruits, seeds, and insects. It is also known for its unique musky odor, which gives it its common name. The musk kangaroo is considered a primitive marsupial and is endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Queensland, Australia, where it inhabits dense undergrowth and forest floor environments. It has a solitary and secretive nature, making it a fascinating and elusive species to study.