Long-tailed dunnart

The long-tailed dunnart (Antechinomys longicaudatus) is an Australian dunnart that, like the little long-tailed dunnart, has a tail longer than its body. It is also one of the larger dunnarts at a length from snout to tail of Template:Cvt of which head to anus is Template:Cvt and tail Template:Cvt long. Hind foot size is Template:Cvt, ear length of Template:Cvt and with a weight of Template:Cvt.

Distribution and habitat

In Western Australia it is known from the Pilbara and eastern coast to the NE goldfields and Gibson desert (Young Ranges) south to the Nullarbor Plain, to central Northern Territory and western South Australia. Its habitat includes Acacia, rocky screes with hummock grass and shrubs, and tall open shrubland and woodlands.

Social organisation and breeding

A nocturnal species, this marsupial has great agility for jumping. When breeding during October–November, it burrows a hole under logs and makes its nests out of grass. The litter is of up to 6 joeys. It is locally considered to be endangered, but the IUCN Red List indicates that it is of least concern.

Diet

It eats invertebrates like ants, beetles and centipedes.

Further reading

• Template:Cite mdd
• Australian National Parks & Wildlife Service - Australian Endangered Species - mammals
• Australian National Parks & Wildlife Service - Resource Kit: Endangered Species

External links

• Long Tailed Dunnart by Matthew
• Australian Biological Resources Study
• ADW Sminthopsis longicaudata (long-tailed dunnart)
• Northern Territory