Diprotodontia – Diprotodonts
Eh, mate! We didn’t quite catch up because we were chilling in Australia
Diprotodonts are the largest order of marsupials (pouched mammals). Diprotodonts are native to Australia and are believed to have flourished because of this physical barrier from other mammals (reducing competition for space and resources).
Their striking peculiarities from placental mammals (like external pouches for nourishing their offspring) are also attributed to their distant and separate line of evolution. They’re mostly herbivores (and a few insectivores), including kangaroos (and their smaller cousins: wallaroos and wallabies), possums, koalas, and relatives.
A great number of marsupial species have already gone extinct, but the responsibility to give a fair chance to the remainder is on us.
Families in this order
Kangaroo-like
Leaping marsupials are characterized by long rear feet and small front legs
Rabbit-sized marsupials are also known as potoroos or rat-kangaroos
One small species is found only in NE Australia rainforests, and several extinct species
Cuscus-like
These predominantly nocturnal creatures are affectionately called ‘marsupial monkeys’
Mostly solitary, nocturnal & arboreal (tree-dwelling) of Australia and New Guinea’s forests
Squirrel-like possums armed with squirrel-like long, furry tails
Some of the smallest marsupials with pretty faces that could even melt the stiffest of hearts
Due to their tiny body, heat escapes quickly; they enter a state of torpidity to regulate it
Spend their whole life feeding only on sweet nectar and pollen
Wombat-like
These little fuzzy chunky cuties spend their day mowing the grass in the temperate forests of Australia
Fluffy ears, spoon-shaped nose, chill attitude, and a loveable face – meet the iconic koalas
