Das Breitkopfkänguru (Potorous platyops) ist ein ausgestorbener Beutelsäuger aus der Gattung der Kaninchenkängurus (Potorous) innerhalb der Familie der Rattenkängurus.
Das Breitkopfkänguru erreichte eine Kopf-Rumpf-Länge von 305 mm, eine Schwanzlänge von 178 mm, eine Hinterfußlänge von 54 mm und ein Gewicht von ungefähr 800 g. Die Oberseite war graubraun und erschien durch die strohfarbenen Haarspitzen gestreift. Die Flanken waren grau, die Unterseite, einschließlich der Füße, war hellgrau. Der Kopf war breit, die Schnauze war ziemlich kurz.
Lebend war das Breitkopfkänguru nur vom südwestlichen Western Australia bekannt. Subfossile Funde deuten darauf hin, dass es ursprünglich vom südlichen Rand der Nullarbor-Wüste in Western Australia über die Känguru-Insel in South Australia bis zum Unterlauf des Murray River verbreitet war.
Das Breitkopfkänguru bewohnte hohe Wälder. Über seine Lebensweise ist nichts bekannt.
Der Holotypus des Breitkopfkängurus wurde 1842 von John Gilbert in der Umgebung von Goomalling und dem King George Sound in Western Australia erlegt und 1844 von John Gould beschrieben. In den 1860er-Jahren sammelte der Naturforscher George Masters fünf weitere Exemplare zwischen dem King George Sound und dem Pallinup River. Die fünf letzten bekannten Exemplare wurden zwischen 1874 und 1875 gesammelt und an das National Museum in Victoria verkauft. Ein vermeintlich für ein Breitkopfkänguru gehaltenes Exemplar aus der Region vom Margaret River nahe Busselton, das der Londoner Zoo 1908 erwarb, stellte sich als falsch identifiziertes juveniles Quokka heraus. Eine 1977 vom Department of Fisheries and Wildlife durchgeführte Expedition zur Wiederentdeckung der Art blieb ergebnislos. Mögliche Aussterbeursachen waren die Nachstellung durch verwilderte Katzen sowie eingeschleppte Krankheiten.
Das Breitkopfkänguru (Potorous platyops) ist ein ausgestorbener Beutelsäuger aus der Gattung der Kaninchenkängurus (Potorous) innerhalb der Familie der Rattenkängurus.
The broad-faced potoroo (Potorous platyops) is an extinct potoroid marsupial that was found in southwestern Australia. The first specimen was collected in 1839, and described by John Gould in 1844. Only a small number of specimens have been collected since. The last live capture was in 1875. Subfossil remains indicate that it had an extensive distribution around the semiarid coastal districts of Southwest Australia.
The habitat of the broad-faced potoroo is almost entirely unknown, but unlike its relatives, such as the long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus and long-footed Potorous longipes, they do not seem to have lived in dense understories in forests. Preserved specimens indicate that it was smaller than other potoroos at around 300 mm (1 ft) long with a 180-mm tail. Their weight is estimated at 800 g. Their coat was grizzled with yellowish hairs above and greyish white below. Their body was similar in shape to that of other potoroids. Their ears were small and rounded, muzzle fairly short, and cheeks notably puffy.
The first description was published by John Gould,[3] using a specimen obtained by his collector John Gilbert at "Walyema Swamps near Northam, Western Australia".[4] Gilbert visited this inland region while collecting around the recently established Swan River Colony. The site he referred to was determined to be Lake Walyormouring.[5]
The single specimen forwarded to Gould was presented to the Linnean Society of London, and the partial skull and skin of a female was deposited in the British Museum of Natural History.[3][5] There were few collected after Gould's initial description. There was one animal collected by James Drummond and recorded in a letter in the 1840s, the collector George Masters prepared four specimens in the 1860s, presumably when he made a large collection of taxa at Mordup. The last collection of living Potorous platyops was in 1874, collected by William Webb and are now held at the Macleay Museum in Sydney.[6]
Curator and collector Hedley H. Finlayson described the remains of a potoroine animal found in a South Australian cave, which were similar to the Potorous platyops. However, the bones were retrieved from a site far from where the Potorous platyops was thought to be found, as well as the teeth being different from previously collections specimens. He ended up naming it as a new species, Potorous morgani. The specimen was later identified as a Potorous platyops. The skull that was studied and was held at a South Australian museum, amongst a deposit of multiple taxa from Kelly's Hill Caves, which was collected by A.M. Morgan. The specific epithet morgani refers to the collector. Finlayson's 1934 description recognised a close similarity to this species. When he obtained more specimens, which were collected at the same cave system on Kangaroo Island by Edith May, he obtained a second partial skull.[7][5] Comparison of the dentition and other morphological characteristics was limited to works published by G. R. Waterhouse (1846), Oldfield Thomas (1888) and B. Arthur Bensley (1903) whose descriptions of P. platyops are recorded at the BMNH.[8][9][10]
Common names include broad-faced potoroo and a name from the Nyungar language, moda,[11] which was recorded by Gilbert and noted in Gould's 1844 description as mor-da, and mort or moort by other ecologists writing shortly after its extinction.[3] The name was obtained through an interview with Nyungar peoples at King George Sound by Gilbert.[12][6] Early records show that it was also named the broad-faced rat kangaroo.[13]
The broad-faced potoroo is a member of the genus Potorous. It is described as having a relatively broad skull and shorter muzzle.[14][12] The species is presumed to have become extinct sometime after the last recorded capture of the animal in 1875, and sometime before 1905.
The colour of the pelage is greyish brown at the upper-side. Straw-yellow hairs are interspersed through the fur to give a streaked effect. The underside and the flanks are pale grey. The head and body are about 305 millimetres in length, while the tail is about 178 mm long. Their hind feet are about 54 mm in length and their weight is approximately 800 grams.[14] Their noses are short and blunt, which is an unusual characteristic among potorines and is usually associated with species such as the rufous bettong (Aepyprymnus rufescens) and the desert rat-kangaroo (Caloprymnus campestris).[15]
The behaviour of the species has not been recorded,[14] and nothing is known of its diet. The scant record of its habitat includes those provided by John Gilbert's informants, one of whom said, "All I could glean of its habits was that it was killed in a thicket surrounding one of the salt lagoons in the interior".[16]
An assessment of documents prior to the 20th century concluded the only ecological change to affect the population were anecdotal reports of a "disease", similar to one that had resulted in the sudden absence of similar species. A synthesis combining other historical evidence proposes what may have been an epizootic during the 1890s that precipitated their extinction. No historical evidence could be found to link the conclusion of South African collector Guy C. Shortridge, writing in 1910, that ecological changes such as bushfire and the introduction of cats were directly linked to the species' decline.[6][17]
Guy Shortridge searched extensively for this species on his collecting expedition near Bremer Bay, finding Potorous gilbertii skulls at caves near Margaret River, but could only provide the historical details of this species provided to him in his 1910 report. The information he reported—assumed to be from Nyungar informants—was that the species became extinct in 1905, were similar to the quokka in range and habits, and had been commonly found and often captured in large quantities.[17][6] The remains were examined the following year, along with the remains of a dibbler, which was found along with the P. gilbertii remains in a deposit beneath a moving dune system. Another set of bones were found in an midden beneath a large peppermint (Agonis flexuosa), which was assumed to be the feeding roost of a predatory bird such as an owl. This site, near Hunter River, was partly preserved by a sand dune and included species introduced after the colonisation of Australia, possibly placing the date of these remains within recent history.[18][6] Sub-fossil remains identified as P. platyops were also found in a survey of deposits on the Eyre Peninsula, accumulations that may have been middens of pre-colonial peoples of the region.[19]
The few records of live specimens are restricted to Southwest Australia. The species could have already been near-extinct when Gilbert obtained his specimen, and no specific localities are known with any certainty.[14][16] Sub-fossil remains indicate a wide distribution range, extending from the southern to the western regions of Australia, including Nullarbor Plain, and perhaps as far north as the Northwest Cape region. Remains have also been found on Kangaroo Island.[16][6]
Some evidence indicates that P. platyops, like the desert-dwelling rat-kangaroo (Caloprymnus campestris), was already in decline when the invasive European rabbit became established in the species' former range.[16]
The broad-faced potoroo (Potorous platyops) is an extinct potoroid marsupial that was found in southwestern Australia. The first specimen was collected in 1839, and described by John Gould in 1844. Only a small number of specimens have been collected since. The last live capture was in 1875. Subfossil remains indicate that it had an extensive distribution around the semiarid coastal districts of Southwest Australia.
The habitat of the broad-faced potoroo is almost entirely unknown, but unlike its relatives, such as the long-nosed potoroo Potorous tridactylus and long-footed Potorous longipes, they do not seem to have lived in dense understories in forests. Preserved specimens indicate that it was smaller than other potoroos at around 300 mm (1 ft) long with a 180-mm tail. Their weight is estimated at 800 g. Their coat was grizzled with yellowish hairs above and greyish white below. Their body was similar in shape to that of other potoroids. Their ears were small and rounded, muzzle fairly short, and cheeks notably puffy.
El potoroo de cara ancha (Potorous platyops) o rata canguro de cara ancha es una especie de marsupial extinta que vivió en Australia. El primer espécimen fue recolectado en 1839 y John Gould lo describió en 1844, pero ya en ese momento era raro y sólo unos pocos especímenes pudieron ser recolectados con posterioridad, el último de ellos en 1875. Restos subfósiles muestran que originalmente habitaba en una gran área desde los distritos semiáridos costeros de Australia Meridional hasta la costa de Australia Occidental, y posiblemente hacia el norte hasta el Cabo Noroeste.
Se desconoce cuales eran los hábitats del potoroo de cara ancha. Resulta claro que evitaba las zonas forestadas fértiles que en cambio eran habitadas por sus parientes el potoroo de hocico largo y el potoroo de pata larga. Es un caso raro entre los vertebrados de extinción reciente en Australia en cuanto a que parecería que su población se redujo en forma significativa antes del asentamiento europeo en Australia.
El potoroo de cara ancha (Potorous platyops) o rata canguro de cara ancha es una especie de marsupial extinta que vivió en Australia. El primer espécimen fue recolectado en 1839 y John Gould lo describió en 1844, pero ya en ese momento era raro y sólo unos pocos especímenes pudieron ser recolectados con posterioridad, el último de ellos en 1875. Restos subfósiles muestran que originalmente habitaba en una gran área desde los distritos semiáridos costeros de Australia Meridional hasta la costa de Australia Occidental, y posiblemente hacia el norte hasta el Cabo Noroeste.
Se desconoce cuales eran los hábitats del potoroo de cara ancha. Resulta claro que evitaba las zonas forestadas fértiles que en cambio eran habitadas por sus parientes el potoroo de hocico largo y el potoroo de pata larga. Es un caso raro entre los vertebrados de extinción reciente en Australia en cuanto a que parecería que su población se redujo en forma significativa antes del asentamiento europeo en Australia.
Le Potorous platyops est une espèce de rat-kangourou originaire d'Australie, aujourd'hui éteinte.
Le premier fut découvert en 1839 et il fut décrit par John Gould en 1844, mais il était déjà rare à l'époque et seuls une dizaine d'individus ont été identifiés, le dernier en 1875. C'est un des rares vertébrés disparus récemment dont l'extinction ne soit pas directement liée à l'arrivée des Européens sur le continent. Les restes de ces animaux montrent qu'à l'origine ils avaient un vaste domaine de répartition, depuis les côtes de l'Australie-Méridionale jusqu'aux côtes de l'Australie occidentale probablement jusqu'au nord du cap Nord-Ouest.
Ses mœurs sont complètement inconnues. Il est évident qu'on ne le trouvait pas dans les zones boisées habitées par ses cousins, le Potorous tridactylus et le Potorous longipes.
Les individus conservés montrent qu'ils étaient plus petits que les autres rats-kangourous avec une longueur tête-corps de 24 cm et une queue de 18 cm. Le pelage était gris sur le dos, blanc sale sur le ventre et il ressemblait à un gros rat avec de petites oreilles rondes, un museau relativement court et des joues rebondies.
Le Potorous platyops est une espèce de rat-kangourou originaire d'Australie, aujourd'hui éteinte.
Le premier fut découvert en 1839 et il fut décrit par John Gould en 1844, mais il était déjà rare à l'époque et seuls une dizaine d'individus ont été identifiés, le dernier en 1875. C'est un des rares vertébrés disparus récemment dont l'extinction ne soit pas directement liée à l'arrivée des Européens sur le continent. Les restes de ces animaux montrent qu'à l'origine ils avaient un vaste domaine de répartition, depuis les côtes de l'Australie-Méridionale jusqu'aux côtes de l'Australie occidentale probablement jusqu'au nord du cap Nord-Ouest.
Ses mœurs sont complètement inconnues. Il est évident qu'on ne le trouvait pas dans les zones boisées habitées par ses cousins, le Potorous tridactylus et le Potorous longipes.
Les individus conservés montrent qu'ils étaient plus petits que les autres rats-kangourous avec une longueur tête-corps de 24 cm et une queue de 18 cm. Le pelage était gris sur le dos, blanc sale sur le ventre et il ressemblait à un gros rat avec de petites oreilles rondes, un museau relativement court et des joues rebondies.
Il potoroo dalla faccia larga (Potorous platyops Gould, 1844) venne catturato per la prima volta nel 1839 e descritto da John Gould nel 1844, ma già allora era molto raro e in tutto venne catturata solo una manciata di esemplari, l'ultimo dei quali nel 1875. I resti subfossili indicano che in origine aveva una distribuzione molto estesa, dalle regioni costiere semi-aride dell'Australia Meridionale alle coste dell'Australia Occidentale e, forse, verso nord, fino a Capo North West.
Le abitudini del potoroo dalla faccia larga sono quasi completamente sconosciute. Senza dubbio evitava le fertili aree boschive abitate dal potoroo dal naso lungo e dal potoroo dai piedi lunghi. Fatto insolito tra i vertebrati australiani estintisi recentemente, era già rarissimo prima che gli europei si insediassero in Australia.
Gli esemplari conservati indicano che fosse più piccolo degli altri potoroo, essendo lungo circa 24 cm e con una coda di 18. Il mantello era grigio brizzolato sul dorso e bianco sporco sul ventre; la forma del corpo ricordava quella di un grosso ratto. Le orecchie erano piccole e arrotondate, il muso abbastanza corto e le guance piuttosto paffute.
Uno dei pochissimi esemplari conservati è esposto presso il Museo di storia naturale dell'Università di Pisa.
Il potoroo dalla faccia larga (Potorous platyops Gould, 1844) venne catturato per la prima volta nel 1839 e descritto da John Gould nel 1844, ma già allora era molto raro e in tutto venne catturata solo una manciata di esemplari, l'ultimo dei quali nel 1875. I resti subfossili indicano che in origine aveva una distribuzione molto estesa, dalle regioni costiere semi-aride dell'Australia Meridionale alle coste dell'Australia Occidentale e, forse, verso nord, fino a Capo North West.
Le abitudini del potoroo dalla faccia larga sono quasi completamente sconosciute. Senza dubbio evitava le fertili aree boschive abitate dal potoroo dal naso lungo e dal potoroo dai piedi lunghi. Fatto insolito tra i vertebrati australiani estintisi recentemente, era già rarissimo prima che gli europei si insediassero in Australia.
Gli esemplari conservati indicano che fosse più piccolo degli altri potoroo, essendo lungo circa 24 cm e con una coda di 18. Il mantello era grigio brizzolato sul dorso e bianco sporco sul ventre; la forma del corpo ricordava quella di un grosso ratto. Le orecchie erano piccole e arrotondate, il muso abbastanza corto e le guance piuttosto paffute.
Uno dei pochissimi esemplari conservati è esposto presso il Museo di storia naturale dell'Università di Pisa.
Potorous platyops é uma espécie de mamífero já extinta. Foi recolectada pela primeira vez em 1839 e descrita por John Gould em 1844, mas já nessa altura era rara e apenas alguns indivíduos foram recolectados, o último dos quais em 1875. Registos subfósseis indicam que teria uma distribuição extensa, desde as regiões costeiras semi-áridas de Austrália do Sul até a Austrália Ocidental, e possivelmente tão a norte quanto North West Cape
Os hábitos deste animal são quase totalmente desconhecidos. Sabe-se que evitava as áreas florestais férteis que os seus parentes próximos, Potorous tridactylus e Potorous longipes, habitavam. O seu declínio é relativamente pouco usual, visto que ocorreu de maneira significativa, antes da ocupação europeia da Austrália.
Espécimenes preservados indicam que era menor que outras espécies do género, com 24 cm de comprimento e 18 cm de cauda. A pelagem era acizentada no dorso e braco-sujo no ventralmente. O corpo era similar, em aspecto, ao um grande rato. As orelhas eram pequenas e arredondadas, o focinho era pequeno e as bochechas proeminentes.
Potorous platyops é uma espécie de mamífero já extinta. Foi recolectada pela primeira vez em 1839 e descrita por John Gould em 1844, mas já nessa altura era rara e apenas alguns indivíduos foram recolectados, o último dos quais em 1875. Registos subfósseis indicam que teria uma distribuição extensa, desde as regiões costeiras semi-áridas de Austrália do Sul até a Austrália Ocidental, e possivelmente tão a norte quanto North West Cape
Os hábitos deste animal são quase totalmente desconhecidos. Sabe-se que evitava as áreas florestais férteis que os seus parentes próximos, Potorous tridactylus e Potorous longipes, habitavam. O seu declínio é relativamente pouco usual, visto que ocorreu de maneira significativa, antes da ocupação europeia da Austrália.
Espécimenes preservados indicam que era menor que outras espécies do género, com 24 cm de comprimento e 18 cm de cauda. A pelagem era acizentada no dorso e braco-sujo no ventralmente. O corpo era similar, em aspecto, ao um grande rato. As orelhas eram pequenas e arredondadas, o focinho era pequeno e as bochechas proeminentes.
