Rat-Kangaroos: Potoroidae

Many species of rat-kangaroo have been threatened by the clearing of land for agriculture, by fires, and by the introduction of predators that are not native to Australia. Some species of rat-kangaroo have already gone extinct. The desert rat-kangaroo has not been seen since 1935. It is thought that the broad-faced potoroo has been extinct since around 1875. Many other species of rat-kangaroos, such as the long-faced potoroo, are Endangered, facing a very high risk of extinction. Conservation efforts to protect rat-kangaroos include controlling the number of introduced predators, establishing breeding colonies, and creating protected zones.