Musky Rat-Kangaroo

While walking through some rainforest near Cairns in North Queensland last Christmas, we came across this Musky Rat-Kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) out looking for fruit and insects in the late morning. This is a short record video of this little marsupial, as I'm very surprised not to find more footage around of this fairly common animal of this area. I suppose most are very shy and will quickly bound away if they notice you.

So what's so special about it?

• It's believed to be an ancient ancestor of all kangaroo-type animals
• Has long hind legs, but gaits on all fours instead of hopping on the hind legs
• The smallest marcopod and only one with five toes
• It's out during the day and sleeps at night in a rough nest (most Australian animals are nocturnal)
• Has a musky odour (hence the name)
• Is the only one member of it's family Hypsiprymnodontidae
• Is only found in a very small rainforest area of north Queensland