Little Tasmanian marsupial mouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Swamp antechinus |
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| Antechinus minimus from Tasmania. Stuffed specimen | |
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Antechinus
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| Species: |
minimus
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| Swamp antechinus range | |
The swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus) is a small, shrew-like marsupial. It is also known as the little Tasmanian marsupial mouse. This animal belongs to a family called Dasyuridae. This means it is related to other interesting Australian animals like dunnarts, quolls, and even the Tasmanian devil.
About the Name
The swamp antechinus was first officially described in 1803. This was done by a scientist named Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. He was the first to describe any of the antechinus animals. He originally put it in the same group as quolls, which are called Dasyurus. The name minimus means "smallest," which fits this little creature perfectly.
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the swamp antechinus:
- A. m. minimus: You can find this type in Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands.
- A. m. maritimus: This type lives on the Australian mainland. Sadly, its numbers are going down, and it is considered near threatened.
Where They Live
The A. m. maritimus subspecies lives in southern Victoria. This includes areas like the central highlands, Wimmera, and Alpine regions. You can also find them in the very south of South Australia near Mount Gambier.
The other subspecies, A. m. minimus, lives in Tasmania. This includes islands like King Island and Flinders Island.
These animals like to live in places with lots of plants. Their homes can be dense heathlands, wet forests, or swampy areas. They also like grasslands with bracken ferns and sedge plants.
Life Cycle and Habits
The swamp antechinus is mostly active at night, which means it is nocturnal. However, it can also be active during the day.
These animals usually breed between May and July. After about 28 to 32 days, the mother gives birth to 6 to 8 tiny babies, called joeys. In some inland areas, mating happens a month earlier, but scientists are not sure why. Most female swamp antechinus don't live past their second year. Sadly, all males usually die shortly after the mating season.
What They Eat
The swamp antechinus is an insectivore. This means it mainly eats insects. It likes to search for its food in the soil, much like the dusky antechinus.
See also
In Spanish: Antechinus minimus para niños
