Potorous longipes (Marsupialia:Macropodidae); a New Species from Easter Victoria

Abstract

Potorous longipes, sp. nov., is described from east Gippsland, Vic. It is distinguished from P. tridactylus on the basis of cranial and pedal morphology, the presence of 24 chromosomes in both sexes (cf. P. tridactylus, 12 males, 13 females ) and electrophoretic differences in blood proteins. Descriptions of its open forest habitat are provided and its distribution relative to P. tridactylus in eastern Victoria is mapped. Brief notes on maintenance of the species in captivity are given.