Gilbert's Dunnart

Gilbert's Dunnart (Sminthopsis gilberti) is a recently discovered dunnart, described in 1984. The length from snout to tail being 155-180 mm of which head to anus is 80-90 mm and tail 75-90 mm long. Hind foot size is 18 mm, ear length of 21 mm and with a weight of 14-25 g.

Distribution and habitat

Gilbert's Dunnart is found in the southern wheat belt of Western Australia close to Perth and the Swan River, as well as the Roe plain near the South Australian border. The habitat it enjoys consists of heath and heathy forest and is abundant on coastal rangers, dry sclerophyll forest, semi arid woodlands and mallee scrub.

Social organisation and breeding

This nocturnal species nests in hollows above ground or dense bush. Gilbert's Dunnart breeds from Sept-Dec and young are weaned in Jan-Feb.

Diet

Gilbert's Dunnart primarily eats insects.

References

• Groves, C. (2005). Wilson, D. E., & Reeder, D. M, eds. ed. Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 34. OCLC 62265494. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. http://www.bucknell.edu/msw3. 
• Menkhorst, P.; Knight, F. (2001). A field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford Press. ISBN 978-0-19-550870-3. 

External links

• Pictures and facts about the Gilbert's dunnart
• Australian Biological Resources Study