Carpentarian dunnart facts for kids
The Carpentarian dunnart (Sminthopsis butleri) is a small, mouse-like marsupial found in parts of Australia and New Guinea. It's also known as Butler's dunnart. This tiny creature has soft fur that can be puffy brown or mouse grey on its back, and a white belly. It looks quite similar to its close relative, the Kakadu dunnart.
Quick facts for kids Carpentarian dunnart |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sminthopsis
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| Species: |
butleri
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| Carpentarian dunnart range | |
These dunnarts are quite small. Their body, from head to where the tail starts, is about 7.5 to 8.8 centimeters long. Their tail is almost as long as their body, measuring 7.2 to 9 centimeters. This means their total length, including the tail, can be between 14.7 and 17.8 centimeters. They weigh about 10 to 20 grams, which is roughly the weight of a few coins. Their weight can change depending on things like whether they are male or female, how much food is available, and where they live.
Where They Live and What Their Home Is Like
The Carpentarian dunnart lives in a few specific areas. In Western Australia, you can find them in the northern part of the Kimberley region, especially near Kalumburu. They also live on Bathurst Island and Melville Island in the Northern Territory.
Their favorite places to live are forests with eucalyptus and melaleuca trees, especially where the soil is sandy. They often live within 20 kilometers of the coast. Interestingly, these dunnarts are also found outside Australia, on the island of New Guinea. In New Guinea, they prefer to live in grasslands and savannah areas in the western part of the island.
Family Life and Babies
Scientists are still learning a lot about the Carpentarian dunnart's social life and how they raise their young. It's thought that they might be able to have babies during the dry season, but more research is needed to confirm this.
What They Eat
There isn't much detailed information about what the Carpentarian dunnart eats. However, like many other small marsupials, they most likely eat insects. They might also hunt and eat very small vertebrates, which are animals with backbones, such as tiny lizards or frogs.
