Nature conservation

Threatened species

Long-footed Potoroo - profile

Indicative distribution


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Key:
known
predicted
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Potorous longipes
Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered
Commonwealth status: Endangered
Gazetted date: 02 Oct 2015
Profile last updated: 11 Aug 2023

Description

The potoroos are a group of small rabbit-sized ‘primitive’ kangaroos, typically restricted to habitats with dense understorey vegetation. They have a long-nosed, somewhat bandicoot-like face and an almost hairless tail. The long-footed potoroo has a head and body length of about 400 mm, a tail length of about 320 mm and weighs between 1.6 - 2.2 kg. It has grey-brown fur that is paler on the underside. It is distinguished from the very similar long-nosed potoroo in a number of subtle ways including its longer tail (more than 300 mm long) and large hind-foot (longer than its head). Also, unlike the long-nosed potoroo, the long-footed potoroo has a leathery pad on the sole of its foot, just behind the inner toe (a hallucal pad).

Distribution

The long-footed potoroo has a very limited distribution and is extremely rare. Two core populations occur in Victoria and a much smaller population has also been found in far south-eastern NSW, approximately 20 km north of the Victorian border in the South East. All known NSW populations now exist entirely within the South East Forests National Park. The species may also occur in adjacent State Forest and private land, but this remains to be determined.

Habitat and ecology

  • The Long-footed Potoroo typically inhabits moist forest types from montane wet sclerophyll forests over 1000m altitude to lowland forests at 150m.
  • High soil moisture content throughout the year is an essential component of the habitat for the Long-footed Potoroo, allowing for its primary food source, the fruit-bodies of hypogeous (underground fruiting) fungi, to persist. These fungi make up about 90% of its diet. Fruit and some small invertebrates are also eaten.
  • Makes small conical pits in the ground as it searches at night for fungal fruit-bodies. During the day it shelters in a crude nest under dense understorey vegetation.
  • Home range size varies according to habitat quality, ranging from about 10 hectares up to 40 hectares.
  • Breeding occurs throughout the year, with single young born in winter, spring and early summer.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
South East CornerEast Gippsland Lowlands Known None
South East CornerSouth East Coastal Ranges Known South of Bombala