Little long-tailed dunnart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little long-tailed dunnart |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Sminthopsis
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| Species: |
dolichura
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| Little long-tailed dunnart range | |
The Little long-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis dolichura) is a tiny dunnart. It's a type of marsupial, which means it carries its babies in a pouch. Scientists first described this small animal in 1984.
This dunnart is quite small. From its nose to the tip of its tail, it measures about 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches). Its body, from head to bottom, is only about 6.5 to 5 centimeters long. The tail itself is longer, measuring 8.5 to 10.5 centimeters. Its hind feet are about 1.6 to 1.7 centimeters, and its ears are 1.7 to 1.9 centimeters long. A Little long-tailed dunnart weighs only 10 to 20 grams, which is about the same as two grapes!
Contents
Where the Little Long-tailed Dunnart Lives
This special dunnart lives in two separate areas in Australia. Even though the areas are apart, scientists haven't found different types (subspecies) of this dunnart.
In Western Australia, you can find them in:
- The northern Goldfields region.
- The Geraldton hinterland, which is inland from the coast.
- Along the northwest and southwest coasts.
- On the western plateau.
In South Australia, they live in:
- Coastal areas near the Great Australian Bight.
- Parts of the Nullarbor Plain.
- The Eyre Peninsula, west of Port Augusta.
These dunnarts like to live in many different places. They prefer dry forests, semi-arid woodlands, and areas with mallee trees. They also enjoy shrublands and open heath areas.
Life Cycle and Habits
The Little long-tailed dunnart is a nocturnal animal. This means it is most active at night. Male dunnarts have a very large home range. This helps them find food and shelter in different habitats throughout the year.
Female dunnarts can start having babies when they are about 5 to 8 months old. They usually breed between March and August. Males can start breeding a bit earlier, at 4 to 5 months old.
The baby dunnarts are called joeys. They are weaned, meaning they stop drinking their mother's milk, around September to December. This usually happens when they weigh about 5 grams. Female dunnarts live for about two years, while males live for just over one year.
What the Little Long-tailed Dunnart Eats
The Little long-tailed dunnart mainly eats insects. But it's not picky! It will also eat other small creatures. These can include tiny reptiles, amphibians like frogs, and even very small mammals.
See also
In Spanish: Ratón marsupial pequeño de cola larga para niños
- Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds). ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd edition ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 34. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3.
