Diprotodon optatum, the largest known marsupial, roamed the open woodlands and grasslands of Pleistocene Australia. Standing over 1.8 meters tall and weighing up to 2,800 kilograms, this herbivore had pillar-like legs and a large, barrel-shaped body. It lived in herds and played a crucial role in shaping its environment.

Diprotodon optatum, an extinct species of marsupial, was native to Australia. Its geographical distribution primarily included the eastern and southern parts of the continent, encompassing areas such as New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia.

Diprotodon optatum inhabited a range of environments in Pleistocene Australia, favoring open woodland and grassland ecosystems. These regions were characterized by a generally warm climate with variable rainfall, supporting diverse vegetation types such as eucalypt forests, shrublands, and grasslands.

As a herbivore, Diprotodon optatum played a significant role in its ecosystem, feeding on a variety of plant materials, including leaves, stems, and possibly roots. Its large size suggests it may have had few predators, and it likely contributed to the maintenance of its habitat through grazing, influencing plant community dynamics.