Fat tailed dunnart

Description:

Sminthopsis - ‘mouselike’ referring to the animals size and fur, rather than its habits. crassicaudata - ‘fat-tailed’ refers to the swelling at the base of the tail where fat is stored. Also known as Fat-tailed Marsupial-mouse. Characterised by a very pointed muzzle, large eyes and ears. These mouse-sized marsupials are a soft grey-brown colour. As the name suggests, in well-nourished individuals the tail is swollen at the base and distinctly carrot-shaped. Being a member of the carnivorous family of marsupials, Fat-tailed Dunnarts have sharp, meat-eating teeth. At night, they forage in open areas, preying upon medium-sized arthropods (such as spiders, centipedes and a variety of insects) and small reptiles. Depending on the type of habitat, Fat-tailed Dunnarts shelter by day in cup-shaped nests of dry grass and leaves built under fallen timber, in hollow logs or clumps of grass. In cold weather, several animals will share a nest to keep warm. Breeding takes place July-December. The Males will fight over the females that are ready to mate. The Gestation period is 12-14 days. Females have 8-10 teats, and can carry 4-10 young in a reasonably well-developed pouch. At around five weeks of age the young will leave the pouch to be suckled in the nest. They then ride on the mother’s back until they are able to look after themselves, becoming independent at 9-10 weeks of age. Fat-tailed Dunnarts may start to breed as early as four months of age.

Habitat:

Except for the Eastern Highlands and coast, Fat-tailed Dunnarts are common across most of southern Australia. They occupy areas including the cool temperate habitats of open forests, to woodlands, heathlands and grasslands as well as farmland and desert.

Notes:

Fat-tailed Dunnarts seem to be able to live wherever the habitat is suitable, and have moved into many areas cleared of their forest cover.