Black-tailed antechinus facts for kids

The black-tailed antechinus (scientific name: Antechinus arktos) is a small, meat-eating marsupial. It lives only in Australia. This unique animal is known for its dark tail and feet.

Discovering the Black-Tailed Antechinus

Scientists first officially named the black-tailed antechinus in 2014. It was discovered by a team led by Dr. Andrew Baker. This makes it one of the newest marsupial species known to science.

Before 2014, some thought it was just a type of Dusky antechinus. It was called Antechinus swainsonii mimetes. But new research showed it was a completely different species.

This animal belongs to a group called the dasyurid family. This family includes many small meat-eating marsupials. The black-tailed antechinus is part of the Antechinus genus.

What Does It Look Like?

The black-tailed antechinus has a very shaggy, hairy body. Its fur is long, especially on its back. The fur on its rump, or rear end, is an orangey-brown color.

Dr. Andrew Baker from the Queensland University of Technology described it well. He noted a clear change from the orange rump to a black tail. The tail has very short fur. These animals also have black feet.

Where Do They Live?

So far, the black-tailed antechinus has only been found in specific places. These are high-altitude, wet areas. You can find them in Springbrook National Park. This park is between northern New South Wales and the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Dr. Andrew Baker also shared some concerns about their home. He said the species is already endangered. It seems they might now only live in the highest parts of the Tweed Volcano Caldera. This includes the upper areas of Springbrook. Scientists found them there in May 2013.

The most likely reason for their shrinking habitat is climate change. This makes it harder for them to find suitable places to live.