Dusky Antechinus
Nature & People
Physical Description
The Dusky Antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii) is dark-brown to grizzled grey-and-brown. It is a ground-dwelling, carnivorous marsupial, about halfway in size between a rat and a mouse, with a pointy snout, sharp teeth, long claws, and small eyes and ears compared with other Antechinus.
Where is it Found?
The Dusky Antechinus is found from Tasmania to the southeast corner of Queensland, along the coast and eastern ranges, in areas of heath and forest with a dense understorey.
Ecology
Active by day and night, the Dusky Antechinus digs for invertebrates in the topsoil and searches for other prey such as Lizards and other small animals.
Threats
Any activity which reduces the understorey – such as burning, plantation forestry or farming – fragments and removes habitat. Predation by Cats and Foxes also reduces populations.
Conservation Measures
Careful fire management, feral animal control and the establishment of contiguous reserves are necessary for the conservation of the Dusky Antechinus. It is not a threatened species, but it is not common over most of its range as it is dependent on dense ground cover.
Did You Know?
All males die within 3 weeks of mating. Consequently, males do not prey on the young or compete with females for the limited food resources necessary to successfully raise offspring. This post-coital dieoff is unusual among the world’s mammals.
