Long Footed Potaroo Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(large)
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After the major bushfires in 2014, I was travelling through the area doing some research on fire behaviour across the Snowy River National Park, state forest and down into Goongerah and fire fighting techniques. Travelling along this road, I noticed a fairly strange looking creature that was road kill.
On getting out of the car, I noticed fresh 4wd threshed swerved pretty well much looking as if it took aim at the animal. At first I wasn't sure, but felt certain it was a Potaroo. To add further confusion, was that it had extremely long feet and hind limbs. I had never come across a Long Footed Potaroo (Potorous longipes), so I took a few photographs and a hair sample.
On returning at the end of the day to where I was camping at Goongerah, I showed a few people the photos and it was considered that it was going to be the Critically Endangered Long Footed Potaroo. So I took someone with a wildlife collection permit up to it and collected the specimen.
The Long Footed Potaroo (Potorous longipes) was only discovered in 1967. It until recently was thought to only exist in wet sclerophyll old growth forest and rainforest. However, a single specimen (maybe lost) has been caught on the Coast Range Rd near Marlo.
This specimen would have had things pretty tough before it was killed. On the north side of the road was moderately aged logging regrowth, that had just been burnt, then there was the fresh log coupe that its met its untimely death on the edge of. Then there is a patch of old growth forest, perfect for its habitat requirements that had remained unburnt and at the time was listed to be logged.
At the time of writing, I am unsure if it is still on the logging schedules. After my find local citizen scientists came in and did the Governments job of surveying for Endangered species and I believe an endangered Owl and large numbers of Arboreal mammals where found that should mean the area now receives protection from logging.
At the time of placement, roading was being done to put in a log coupe the other side of the Jersey West Tower. Best access is along 36 mile road from the Bonang Road or Yalmy trail. It is 2wd accessible, but like most bush roads can become wet and impassable in wet conditions or with trees down. Beware of log trucks. At the time of writing, they are very active in this area.
There is very limited phone reception in the area and let people know your plans before you go. Eventhough the chance of misadventure is not high. It is remote and your difficulties will be magnified greatly.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ynetr juvgr gerr ba rqtr bs ebnq.