Julia Creek Dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi)

The Julia Creek dunnart is an endangered marsupial. In 1979 the Julia Creek dunnart gained the status of being a full species; however in 1931 there were the first documentations of the Julia Creek dunnart. Currently there are only 11 known locations where the Julia Creek dunnart can be found, all of which are located within 100km from Julia Creek in every direction. Although the classification of this species is “endangered”, there is no threat of extinction. The Julia Creek dunnart is quite shy and extremely rare. There is speculation that the rarity of the Julia Creek dunnart can be attributed to the lack of surveys to measure the population.

Julia Creek dunnarts can be located in a part of north-west Queensland known as the Mitchell grass plains (which is located in Julia Creek). This environment is predominantly hot with little rainfall. There is ample grasslands in the area, primarily covered by Mitchell Grass. The Julia Creek dunnart seeks shelter during the day in cracks in the soil. During times of rain the cracks close up.

Considered the largest of the Sminthopsis, the average head to tail measurement of the Julia Creek dunnart is 230mm. The tail accounts for almost half the entire measurement. Tan fur covers the back of the Julia Creek dunnart and fades into a lighter tan or white on the underbelly. There is a dark brown, almost black triangle of fur that starts at the nose and extends between the short ears of this species. The average weight of a Julia Creek dunnart is 55 g; females weigh an average of 5g less than males.

The Julia Creek dunnart is a carnivore that prefers insects but is capable of catching small vertebrates twice their size. Young are able to catch their own insects to eat at about 10 weeks.

Breeding is possible year round and will increase after rain falls. The gestation period lasts around 12 days and 8 young are possible for each litter. In captivity males reach maturity at about 30 weeks. Females in captivity reach maturity much earlier than males, about 24 weeks. A newborn Julia Creek Dunnart breathes through its skin.

Further Information on the Julia Creek Dunnart:

Bibliography

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

Animal Info-Julia Creek Dunnart, Massicot, P., 8/7/04, www.animalinfo.org/species/smindoug.htm

Julia Creek Centre of the Great Artesian Basin, Rammoorthy, D., 8/7/04, www.juliacreek.org/wildlife.htm.

Julia Creek Dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi, Queensland Museum, 8/7/04, http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/features/endangered/animals/dunnart.asp.