Procoptodon

Procoptodon Temporal range: Pleistocene PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N ↓
Procoptodon goliah
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Infraclass:	Marsupiala
Order:	Diprotodontia
Family:	Macropodidae
Subfamily:	Sthenurinae
Genus:	†Procoptodon Owen, 1873
Species
†P. maddocki †P. cegsai †P. mccoy †P. pusio †P. ussys †P. texasensis †P. goliah

Procoptodon was a genus of giant short-faced kangaroo living in Australia during the Pleistocene epoch. P. goliah, the largest known kangaroo that ever existed, stood approximately 2 meters (6'7") tall. They weighed about 230 kilograms (510 lb).

Giant short-faced kangaroos had a flat face and forward-pointing eyes. On each foot they had a single large toe somewhat similar in appearance like a horse's hoof. On these unusual feet they moved quickly through the open forests and plains, where they sought grass and leaves to eat. Their front paws were equally strange: each front paw had two extra-long fingers with large claws. It is possible that they were used to grab branches, bringing leaves within eating distance. The genus was present until at least about 50,000 years ago before going extinct, although there is some evidence they may have survived to as recently as 18,000 years ago. Their demise is usually attributed to human activities, but this remains uncertain.

Fossils of giant short-faced kangaroos have been found at the Naracoorte World Heritage fossil deposits in South Australia, Lake Menindee in New South Wales, Darling Downs in Queensland, and at many other sites. A full-size, life-like replica is on permanent display with other ancient native Australian animals at the Australian Museum.

The genus is paraphyletic, derived from Simosthenurus.