Mammal Husbandry

Care Sheet

Long-nosed Potoroo
Please complete all fields below. Information provided should be referenced or cited as a personal observation.
Institutional support should be sought by the author before submission. By submitting a husbandry care sheet, the author
acknowledges that the information will be freely available to all BIAZA members online at www.biaza.org

General species information

Common name: Long-nosed potoroo Scientific Name: Potorous tridactylus

IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened Lifespan Wild: 7 years Captivity: Up to 10 years (max noted 14.5 yrs)

Species population managed?: Monitored Species co-ordinator: Johnpaul Houston

[email protected]
Description:
The long-nosed potoroo is a small marsupial from the south-eastern coast of Australia and can be found from Queensland to
Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania (Piipari, 2008). Adult long-nosed potoroos in captivity are found to weigh 770g - 1800g and
have a nose to tail length of about 30-35cm and a tail length between 20-25cm, with the tail being partially pre-hensile (Freeman,
2007). Fur is greyish-brown above and light grey below with long claws and strong forepaws, well adapted for digging. This species
is terrestrial and moves through its environment similarly to a kangaroo, using its strong hindlimbs to hop, often at speed. When
moving slowly and foraging this species will use their hind limbs to locomote which are then supported by it’s front feet in a “back
legs, fore legs motion” which is known as a ‘pentapedal’ walk (Piipari, 2008).

Habitat:
Found in a variety of habitats including rainforest, wet sclerophyll (thick, hard leaved) forest, scrub and open forests (Seebeck,
1979; Veltheim, 2002). They can also be found in forest habitats with dense under-storey cover to provide shelter from predators
such as dingoes (Claridge et al., 2007). Generally living a nocturnal and solitary lifestyle they spend most of the day resting in
covered shallow holes in the ground (Forster, 2018) and will occasionally use the burrows of other animals (Freeman, 2007;
Piipari, 2008). Nights are spent searching for food. When temperatures are low they maintain their body temperature by shivering
and undertaking periods of inactivity in a squatted position (Freeman, 2007; Piipari, 2007).

Wild potoroo. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Canberra Potoroo habitat. French Island National Park, Victoria
(Elizabeth2, 2019). (Miritis. V. 2020).

1
Potoroo habitat. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Canberra Wild potoroo in scrub. Launceston, Tasmania.
(Knight, C. 2019). (Leannikasimmons, 2022).

SSSMZP recommendations available at:

Secretary of State’s standards of modern zoo practice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Diet

Wild weight (kg): Captive weight (kg):

Male: 1-1.7 kgs Female: 1-1.7 kgs Male: 1-2 kgs Female: 1-2 kgs

Body condition score available at:

Species360 ZIMS Help (isis.org)
Body Condition Scoring Resource Center • AZA Nutrition Advisory Group (nagonline.net)

Regular weighing and body score assessment is recommended.

Wild diet:
Naturally this species is classed as omnivorous, with a major element of their diet consisting of Hypogeous (microscopic fruit body
producing) fungi. Some researchers have also documented them catching and consuming arthropods (1-2% diet of in winter but
up to 21 % in summer) (Bennett & Baxter, 1989) and many records detail plants, fruits and seeds to be another high component
of wild diets (Croft, 2000). This is thought to be due to the seasonal availability of food sources (Croft, 2000; Bennet & Baxter,
1989). They are highly mycophagous (fungus feeding) and may dig for sporocarps (fruiting bodies) of hypogeal (underground
fruiting) fungi in more sparsely vegetated areas. Hypogeal fungi can comprise more than 70% of their diet, particularly during
autumn and winter. Invertebrates and plant material are consumed in spring and summer, but hypogeal fungi still makes up at
least 25% of their diet.

Nutritional considerations and feed presentation:

In the wild they will spend extended periods of time digging shallow holes in the ground for food sources such as plant
material and fungi (Freeman, 2007; Piipari, 2007; Bennet & Baxter, 1989) therefore randomized scatter feeds in the
substrate to encourage foraging and digging and reduce the likelihood of stereotypic pacing around feed time is the ideal
feeding method. Due to their highly developed olfactory sense (Piipari, 2008) and large claws they are able to locate and excavate
live food (Freeman, 2018) which has been hidden, buried or scattered in the environment, fulfilling a natural activity budget.

Nutritional guidelines available at: Marsupial nutrition (Hume, I. D. 1999). pp. 315-339.

2
Diet sheet:

Potoroo - 2.0
(Potorous tridactylus)

To be prepared on… MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Macropod (g) 40 40 40 40 40 40 40

CATEGORY 1 (g) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

40 Chard L.Raddichio R.Lettuce Chinese leaf Chicory L.Lollo Rosso Oak leaf

CATEGORY 2 (g) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

190 Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms Mushrooms
110 Aubergine Cucumber Courgette Celery Pepper Broccoli Fennel

CATEGORY 3 (g) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

80 Sweetcorn Carrot Sweet potato Swede Squash Parsnip Beetroot

All feeds prepared on the given day, to be fed out the following day.
Blossoms and browse to be provided when available

Potoroo 2.0
PSM BUG WEIGHTS
Individual Group
Calci worm(g) 6 12
Locust/Black cricket (number) 10 20
Earthworm (No. pre-pack) 1 2
Frequency
*Note-only one species/portion offered per day.
Daily

Marwell Zoo long nosed potoroo diet sheet (Taylor, L. 2021).

Environment

Optimum temperature range: 16C – 22C (but can tolerate a temperature range of between 5C and 35C) (Freeman, 2007).
It is worth noting that in the wild, the potoroo would be exposed to sub zero temperatures in Winter therefore are very hardy.

Optimum humidity range: 30%

Enclosure features including optimum size (Enclose photos):

A minimum enclosure size of 10m2 per pair of animals is recommended, with a minimum height of 2m. As these animals can climb
wire mesh fences, an overhang is suggested in addition to fencing 0.5m below ground (Freeman, 2007).

In captivity long nosed potoroo exhibit a more diurnal activity budget but in general are considered nocturnal (Freeman, 2007;
Piipari, 2007) resting in the day in shallow depressions or nests located under tussocks, in thickets or among rocks/logs. They
therefore require adequate cover and shelter with several options to choose from when housed in a group. Trees and bushes will
provide natural shelter and hiding places; grasses can be used as they make an ideal nesting material. Other materials that can
be used for nesting are leaflitter, dried soft browse or bark which the animals can select from to build their own squats.

Indoor housing:
indoor housing should have a shelter with nesting material to allow animals to build their own squats (using their tails to carry
nesting material). Boxes are not necessary as they will create their own refuge areas from material provided. Additional forms of
cover such as large pieces of bark and hollow logs will offer multiple animals a choice of resting spots. A shortwave infrared heater
combined with UVB provision will create hot spots for the animals to warm themselves under by replicating the sun’s heat and
light (ensure UV is always measured with a Solarmeter at ground dwelling level and temperatures are regularly checked). A double

3
door system should be put in place to prevent escape, as these animals are fast moving, a low barrier across the doorway is also
beneficial for this reason.

Potoroo basking under heat (infrared) and light (UVB) units at Marwell Zoo (Denny, A. 2022).

Substrate:
Bio-floor installation and management make an excellent substrate/enclosure feature for this species, facilitating natural
foraging/digging behaviour in addition to serving as a heat bank if installed indoors in conjunction with a heat source and rockwork.
A layer of shingle topped with a mix of sand and topsoil banked up in various areas to increase depth and dressed with a layer of
leaf litter will create a dynamic and stimulating environment for potoroo which can be seeded with invertebrates (springtails, worms,
woodlice etc.) to naturally breakdown waste which also reduces keeper cleaning while reflecting the species’ natural habitat.

Natural hides, furnishings and bio floor substrate at Marwell Zoo (Denny, A. 2022).

Outdoor housing:
An outside area should include large, planted areas with vegetation that reflect their natural habitat and materials such as bark,
leaf litter, sand and soil to facilitate digging and foraging behaviour. Naturally hollowed out logs, rocks and shelters where animals
can retreat to if feeling threatened are also essential for physical and psychological wellbeing. A flowing water source or feature to
increase enclosure complexity and offer drinking water would be a worthy addition if possible as the species live in close proximity
to creeks in the wild (Claridge et al, 1993). There should be easy access to their indoor housing that can be disguised as a burrow
and allow animals to retreat to back of house areas in a naturalistic manner.

4
Planted areas and open scrub of outdoor habitat with flowing creek, leaf litter piles and deadwood at Marwell Zoo (Denny, A. 2022).

5
General enclosure design guidelines:
BIAZA - British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums | BIAZA

Enrichment information available at:

The Shape of Enrichment, Inc. - Home (wildapricot.org)
Enrichment | Wild Welfare

Animal training guidelines:

BIAZA - British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums | BIAZA

Enclosures should include an area where positive reinforcement training can be carried out as the species can be easily trained
to target, recall, stand on scales and enter catch up crates.

Reproduction

Inter birth interval: Asynchronous, continuous breeders, therefore there is no set breeding seasons. Up to three young can be
produced in a year (Freeman, 2007; Piipari, 2007).

Gestation: 38 days

Number of offspring: One

Age at weaning: 130 days

Contraception information available at:

EAZA Group on Zoo Animal Contraception (EGZAC) - European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (eazwv.org)

Birthing and rearing considerations:

No notable considerations other than the provision of a warm, safe environment for the female.

Common health problems

• Vitamin E deficiency: This is usually related to capture myopathy.

• ‘Lumpy jaw’ – progressive infection of the bones and tissues around the teeth. Signs of infection are swellings over the jaws
or face, a hesitancy to feed, drooling from the mouth and losing body condition. Unfortunately, the prognosis is often poor, even
with treatment, so prevention is important. Prevention measures include attention to feed hygiene to avoid introducing bacteria
into oral cavity, avoiding excessively rough/ spiky browse (if individuals are not used to consuming it regularly the jaw lining
can become easily damaged) and avoiding overcrowding.
• Toxoplasmosis – infection with a protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii, which is shed in the faeces of infected cats. Marsupials are
particularly susceptible to severe infection. Signs depend on the organ/s affected and may include: lethargy, anorexia,
incoordination, blindness, convulsions, diarrhoea and laboured breathing. Sudden death is a common presentation.
Unfortunately the prognosis is often poor, even with treatment. Prevent access to food and bedding materials which may have
been contaminated by domestic cats.
• Coccidiosis – an intestinal protozoal infection. Signs of infection may include: anorexia (reduced appetite), lethargy (inactivity),
weakness, dehydration, weight loss, unkempt fur, and black, foul-smelling diarrhoea. Prevent by increasing hygiene around
feed and drink stations.
• Capture myopathy: macropods are prone to developing this complex condition, particularly after stressful capture and restraint
or prolonged chasing (Vogelnest & Woods 2008). Onset of signs may be delayed and include: rapid breathing and heart rate,
hyperthermia (overheating), muscle twitching or stiffness, obvious signs of pain (e.g., grinding teeth), collapse, very dark to
brown urine (indicating myoglobin from muscle breakdown). Treatment is difficult and severely affected animals may die or
develop long-term complications such as lameness. Catch-ups should be properly planned and not be performed in extremely
hot weather.
• Ectoparasites: potoroos are susceptible to infestation by fleas, ticks and mites (Claridge et al, 2007). Signs of ectoparasitosis
include visible attached ticks or fleas crawling through the coat and increased scratching (more than normal) which may lead
to patchy fur loss and scabby skin. Some animals may show a hypersensitivity reaction to bites, with inflamed, reddened skin.
(Day, C. 2021).

6
 Routine preventative health care

Veterinary resources:
BIAZA - British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums | BIAZA

References/Bibliography

Bates, P. C., Bigger, T. R., Hulse, E. V. and Palmer, A. (1972). The management of a small colony of the marsupial (Potorous
tridactylus) and a record of its breeding in captivity. Laboratory Animals, 6, pp. 301-313.
Bennett, A. F. (1993). Microhabitat use by the Long-nosed potoroo, Potorous tridactylus, and other small mammals in remnant
forest vegetation of southwestern Victoria. Wildlife Research, 20, pp. 267-285.
Bennett, A. F and Baxter, B. J. (1989). Diet of the Long-Nosed Potoroo, Potorous-Tridactylus (Marsupialia, Potoroidae), in
Southwestern Victoria. Australian Wildlife Research, 16, pp. 263–271.
Bryant, S. L. (1989). ‘Growth, development and breeding pattern of the Long-nosed Potoroo, (Potorous tridactylus) in Tasmania’,
in: Grigg, G., Jarman, P., and Hume, I. (eds). Kangaroos, Wallabies and Rat kangaroos. NSW: Surrey Beatty & Sons.
Claridge, A., Seebeck, J., and Rose, R. (2007). Bettongs, Potoroos and the Musky Rat kangaroo. Victoria: CSIRO publishing.
Claridge, A. W. and Cork, S. J. (1994). Nutritional value of hypogeal fungal sporocarps for the long-nosed potoroo (Potorous
tridactylus), a forest dwelling mycophagous marsupial. Australian Journal of Zoology, 42, pp. 701–710.
Claridge, A. W., Tanton, M. T. and Cunningham, R. B. (1993). Hypogeal fungi in the diet of the Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous
tridactylus) in mixed-species and regrowth eucalypt forest stands in south-eastern Australia. Wildlife Research, 20, pp. 321–337.
Day, C. (2021). Personal communication.
Elizabeth2 (2019). Wild long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus). [Image] Available at:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/14761695 [Accessed: 19th January 2022].
Freeman, M. (2007). Long nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) Husbandry Guidelines. London: BIAZA.
Freeman, M. (2018) ‘Marsupial Diet’, in: Vonk, J., and Shackleford, T. (eds). Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behaviour.
Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
Forster, L (2018). Personal communication.
Guiler, E. R., and Kitchener, D. A. (1967). Further observations on longevity in the wild potoroo, (Potorous tridactylus). Australian
Journal of Science, 30, pp. 105–106.
Guiler E. R. (1971). The husbandry of the potoroo. International Zoo Yearbook, 11, pp. 21-22.
Hughes, R. L. (1962). Reproduction in the macropod marsupial (Potorous tridactylus). Australian Journal of Zoology, 10, pp. 193-
224.
Hume, I. D. (1999). Marsupial nutrition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Iucnredlist.org. (2018). Potorous tridactylus (Long-nosed Potoroo). [online]. Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/41511/0
[Accessed 27 Sep. 2018].
Jackson S. (2007). Australian Mammals – Biology and Captive Management. Victoria: CSIRO Publishing.
Knight, C. (2019). Tidbinbilla National Park. [Image] Available at: https://christineknight.me/2019/03/tidbinbilla-nature-reserve/
[Accessed: 19th January 2022].
Leannikasimmons, (2022). Wild long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus). [Image] Available at:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/104853624 [Accessed: 19th January 2022].
Martin, D., and Temple-Smith, P. (2012). National recovery plan for the Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus tridactylus).
Melbourne: Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Menkhorst, P. (1995). Mammals of Victoria. Distribution, Ecology and Conservation. Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Miritis, V. (2020). French Island National Park. [Image] Available at: https://theconversation.com/cats-wreak-havoc-on-native-
wildlife-but-weve-found-one-adorable-species-outsmarting-them-132265 [Accessed: 19th January 2022].
Nowak R. M. (1991). Mammals of the World. 5th ed, Vol 1. Baltimore & London: The Johns Hopkins Univ Press.
Piipari, L (2007). Husbandry Manual for The Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus). Richmond: Western Sydney Institute of
TAFE.
Seebeck, J. H. (1981). Potorous tridactylus (Marsupialia: Macropodidae): it’s distribution, status and habitat preferences in Victoria.
Australian Wildlife Research, 8, pp. 285-306.
7
Seebeck, J. H., Bennett, A. F., and Scotts, D. J. (1989). ‘Ecology of the Potoroidae - a review’, in: Grigg, G., Jarman, P., and Hume,
I. (eds). Kangaroos, Wallabies and Rat kangaroos. NSW: Surrey Beatty & Sons. pp. 67–88.
Taylor, L. (2021). Personal communication.
Ullmann and Brown, (1983). Further observations on the potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) in captivity. Laboratory Animals, 17, 133-
137.
Veltheim, I. (2003). First Record of Burrow Use by the Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus). The Victorian Naturalist, 120
(3), pp. 92-93.
Vogelnest, L. and Woods, R. (2008). Medicine of Australian Mammals. Collingwood, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing, pp.
627.

Wilson, D. E. and Mittermeier, R. A. (2015). Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Vol. 5. Monotremes and Marsupials.
Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. pp. 628.

Appendix
--

Submitted by: Amy Denny (Marwell Zoo)

Date: January 2022
Date Last Reviewed: January 2022 by Ross Brown and Will Justice (Marwell Zoo)
Next Review Date: January 2025

The information contained in these care sheets has been obtained from numerous sources believed to be reliable. BIAZA and the
Mammal Working Group make a diligent effort to provide a complete and accurate representation in its reports, publication and
services. However, BIAZA does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information. BIAZA disclaims all
liability for errors or omissions that may exist and shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, or other damages (whether
resulting from negligence or otherwise) including, without limitation, exemplary damages or lost profits arising out of or in
connection with the use of this publication. Because the technical information provided in the [name of the document] can easily
be misread or misinterpreted unless properly analyzed, BIAZA strongly recommends that users of this information consult with
BIAZA Office in all matters related to data analyses and interpretation.