Hobbies And Interests
Diet
The musky rat kangaroo is an omnivore and eats mainly the fruits and seeds of the date palm. This plant is abundant in the tropical rainforest regions of northern Australia. It also eats fungi, worms and other small invertebrates. It forages for food in the early morning and at dusk so as to avoid the tropical heat at the height of the day.
Life Cycle
The musky rat kangaroo is a prolific breeder and the young are generally born from February to April after a seven-month period during which the males are able to reproduce. At birth they are carried in their mother's pouches until October when they are housed in small nests made of small hollows and leaves. Up until January they gradually explore their environment and learn how to feed themselves until they are weaned. They usually live to around 4 years of age.
Habitat
The musky rat kangaroo lives in small tropical rainforest area of northeastern Australia and parts of New Guinea and generally inhabits the lowlands, although they can be found in highland areas up to 1,200 meters. They prefer damp areas around rivers, creeks, small lakes and ponds. They have clawed hands and feet and can climb trees. At night, the musky rat kangaroo sleeps in a nest of dried leaves and ferns.
Predators
The tropical rainforest areas of Australia and New Guinea abound with wildlife and many of these species are of mortal danger to the musky rat kangaroo. There are many species of snake that will prey on them -- especially the python. Wild dogs known as dingoes also prey on them, as do many species of birds of prey including owls and hawks. In addition, the loss of the musky rat kangaroo's rainforest habitat also poses a great threat to the species.