Desert Rat-kangaroo - Description

Description

It was built like a kangaroo, but had the bulk of a small rabbit, however it was described as being of a delicate and slender form. Its average body size was estimated to be about 254-282mm in addition to a long 307-377mm long tail. Its head was short, blunt and wide, different from that of any kangaroo or wallaby with a naked nose, short and rounded ears.

The color of its dense, straight, soft fur was appropriate for its desert surroundings. It was very pale yellowish brown, the hairs tipped with sooty brown; interspersed with the under fur were many long brownish white hairs. Its underbelly was described as white with very pale yellowish brown feet and tail.

A distinguishing feature of this speciesis the difference in size between fore and hindlimbs. Forelimbs are quite delicate with bones weighing 1 gram, while hindlimbs are large with bones weighing 12 grams. This difference is related to saltation. Other characteristics related to hopping locomotion include a long, bur rather thin tail.

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