Until the other day I had never heard of the Potoroo (nor of its companion in the wild, the Quokka) but now I may be an expert. Gilbert’s Potoroo, a marsupial, happens to be Australia’s most endangered mammal. Only about 30 to 40 are left in the wild near Mount Gardner in Western Australia. A few years ago seven of them were moved to Bald Island, off the coast of Western Australia, which is in pristine condition and has no Potoroo predators.
Some interesting facts about the Potoroo:
The adult 2 lb. Potoroo has 1/2 inch long offspring which sometimes stay in a state of suspended development (embryonic diapause) while another Potoroo is conceived.
Potoroos are the most fungi-dependent mammal on earth. They eat truffles.
Always optimistic, Australians are on the lookout. If you think you may have seen a Gilbert's Potoroo, or found animal remains which you think could be a Gilbert's Potoroo, please check the sightings page which gives guidance on distinguishing Potoroos from similar animals and complete the online sighting report; alternatively, you can note down the sighting details as listed on the page and email a message to: sightings@potoroo.org
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