Common Dunnart
Sminthopsis murina
Habitat Dry bushland and heathland, leaf litter and plentiful ground cover.
IUCN Status Least Concern, decreasing in numbers
Also known as the common marsupial mouse and slender-tailed dunnart. This small mouse-like marsupial lives in and under logs and feeds on a variety of invertebrates including moths, spiders, beetles and roaches. Since it evolved to live in very dry environments and gets enough hydration from its diet, common dunnarts do not need to drink.
Despite its name, little is known about the population abundance of this carnivorous marsupial. A decline has been noticed in recent years, likely due to factors such as habitat clearing, inappropriate fire regimes and predation by cats and foxes.
Photograph by B G Thomson