Carpentarian Antechinus (Pseudantechinus mimulus)

The carpentarian antechinus is an endangered marsupial located in Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. This species was originally found in 1905, however only one animal was discovered. Another carpentarian antechinus was not observed until 1967.

A rocky hillside is the preferred habitat of this animal, open woodlands hummock grass is also favorable, but the carpentarian antechinus will occupy a variety vegetation. In the Northern Territory, the carpentarian antechinus is only present on three islands: North Island, Central Island and South West Island. Unfortunately there is limited information on the population statistics of this animal on those islands or throughout Australia and Queensland. Little information is available on the nesting habits of this species.

This species measures about 85mm (including its head and body) with it’s tail measuring about 69mm. It is notable that the size of the tail is about 80% of the total size of the body and head. The average weight of the carpentarian antechinus is 17g. The fur on its back and sides is a brown hue fading to a light grey on the underbelly. There is also a distinct patch of reddish-brown behind the ears of the carpentarian antechinus. The nose is pointed as well as the tail. The tail is swollen and shaped similar to a carrot when the carpentarian antechinus is healthy. Medium sized ears are also present.

The carpentarian antechinus prefers to eat invertebrates but it may consume small vertebrates. No other information is available on the feeding habits (how it eats, when it eats, what techniques it uses to catch its food, etc.) of this animal.

Unfortunately there is a shortage of information on the reproductive cycles and breeding rituals of the carpentarian antechinus. The shortage of information on this species can be attributed to limited specimens to study.

Further Information on the Carpentarian Antechinus:

Bibliography

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, Menkhorst, P and Knight, F. © 2001.

Threatened Species of the Northern Territory Carpentarian Antechinus, Woinarski, J, 8/6/04, www.ipe.nt.gov.au/news/2002/10/threatened/Mammals/carpentarian_antechinus_en.PDF.