Sydney, Feb 25: Flinders University researchers have uncovered new insights into the diet of the desert rat-kangaroo (Caloprymnus campestris), a native Australian marsupial believed to be extinct.
Their findings could help pinpoint areas where the elusive animal might still be hiding in the vast Sturt Stony Desert.
The study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, analyzed the biomechanics of different marsupial skulls to determine the desert rat-kangaroo’s feeding habits.
Lead author Dr. Rex Mitchell explained that while the animal has a robust skull, it is not necessarily adapted for eating hard foods. Instead, its bite strength suggests a preference for softer plant material.
This discovery could refine search efforts for the species, known as ‘ngudlukanta’ to the Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people.
There have been unverified reports of a small, short-faced hopping animal in the Lake Eyre Basin, raising hopes that the desert rat-kangaroo may still exist despite being declared extinct in 1994.
Once widespread, the species vanished due to predation by foxes and cats, habitat destruction from overgrazing, and fire mismanagement.
The last confirmed specimen was collected in 1930.
Senior author Associate Professor Vera Weisbecker remains hopeful, noting that the species had previously been rediscovered in the 1930s after being thought extinct.
By using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on historic skeleton specimens, researchers compared the desert rat-kangaroo’s skull with those of other marsupials, including the burrowing bettong and long-nosed potoroo. These findings enhance understanding of skull structure, feeding habits, and potential conservation efforts.
“Finetuning the search through understanding the animals’ diet better might just resurrect the little desert survivor once more,” Dr. Mitchell said.
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