Is this species held in captivity?

[MikeG]

According to ISIS there are no Musky Rat-kangaroos (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus) in captivity. However, I know there are quite a lot of Australian animal collections which don't list their stock on ISIS, so - does anyone know if any individuals of this fascinating species are held on exhibit?

 

[ZooPro]

As far as I know, onlly one female, at the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas.

 

[MikeG]

As far as I know, only one female, at the Rainforest Habitat in Port Douglas.

Thanks, ZooPro. Surprising that such an unusual species (the most primitive macropod) should be almost absent from captivity. As a diurnal mammal they would be much more interesting to watch than yet another Koala dozing on a branch....

 

[m575]

I could've sworn I saw something that looks like this at ballarat wildlife park. I didn't take any photos of it though! gah!

 

[Pygathrix]

This and the numbat are said to be the only diurnal marsupials. The numbat is awake in the day because that's when its termite prey is out. Do you know why the MRK is diurnal?

 

[MikeG]

This and the numbat are said to be the only diurnal marsupials. The numbat is awake in the day because that's when its termite prey is out. Do you know why the MRK is diurnal?

I don't think anyone has a definitive answer. We can speculate that by being diurnal when other mammals of your size are nocturnal or crepuscular you avoid quite a lot of competition for food.

 

[m575]

alas, I think what I saw was a Quokka.. Didn't get a photo myself, but my other half took a photo..