Aepyprymnus

Aepyprymnus is a genus of marsupials belonging to the family Potoroidae. The genus name is derived from the Greek words "aipys" meaning high, and "prumnos" meaning hindquarters, referring to the animal's posture. Currently, only one species is recognized within this genus, Aepyprymnus rufescens, commonly known as the rufous rat-kangaroo.

Rufous rat-kangaroos are native to eastern Australia, inhabiting a range of environments including woodlands, forests, and grasslands. They are relatively small marsupials, distinguished by their reddish-brown fur, which gives them their common name, and their long, slender tails. They possess strong hind legs adapted for hopping, a characteristic shared with other macropodids.

These animals are primarily nocturnal and solitary, though they may occasionally be seen in pairs. Their diet consists mainly of fungi, roots, tubers, and grasses. They play an important ecological role as ecosystem engineers, with their digging activities helping to aerate the soil and disperse fungal spores.

The conservation status of Aepyprymnus rufescens is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN, although local populations may face threats from habitat loss and introduced predators. Breeding occurs throughout the year, with females typically giving birth to a single joey after a short gestation period. The joey develops in the mother's pouch.