The long-footed potoroo (Potorous longipes) is a small marsupial found in southeastern Australia, restricted to an area around the coastal border between New South Wales and Victoria. It was first recorded in 1967 when an adult male was caught in a dog trap in the forest southwest of Bonang, Victoria. It is classified as vulnerable. P. longipes is the largest species of Potorous, resembling the long-nosed potoroo, Potorous tridactylus. It is a solitary, nocturnal creature, feeding on fungi, vegetation, and small invertebrates. It differs from P. tridactylus in its larger feet and longer tail. Current threats to the species include predation by introduced feral cats and foxes, and loss of habitat from logging within its limited range. Taxonomy The scientific name of the animal commonly known as the long-footed potoroo is Potorous longipes. Potoroo is the common name for all of the three other species in the genus Potorous, Gilbert's potoroo, P. gilbertii, the broad-faced potoroo, P. platyops, and long-nosed potoroo, P. tridactylus. P. longipes is the largest potoroo, and most resembles P. tridactylus. The species was first recorded in 1967 in the East Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia. The formal description was published in 1980. Remains of the long-footed potoroo were found in predator droppings in 1986. Description and anatomy The long-footed potoroo is a very rare marsupial only found in Australia. A potoroo is a small type of kangaroo-like marsupial. It is about the size of a rabbit and its common name suggests, it has very long hind feet. These feet have long toes with very strong claws. The species is the largest potoroos with males weighing up to and females . The entire body length is . The tail can be between in length, while the hind foot is . This animal can be differentiated from other potoroos by its long back feet, which are the same length relative to its head. It has an extra footpad called the hallcual pad. The long-footed potoroo hops in a similar fashion to a kangaroo, yet can use its tail to grasp objects. It has a soft, dense coat, with grayish-brown fur that slowly fades into a lighter color on the feet and belly. Behavior and life history Habitat and distribution The long-footed potoroo lives in a range of montane forests. It has also been found in the warmer temperate rainforest. This species lives where the soil is constantly moist.