Julia Creek Dunnart

Apperance
Not much is known about the Dunnart because they are hard to find. The Julia Creek dunnart was discovered in 1931 but not recognized as a full species until 1979. The Julia Creek dunnart appears to be the largest species of dunnart. Dunnarts are small insectivorous marsupials found in Australia.

Julia creek dunnart

Weight
Female Julia Creek dunnarts weigh 40 - 60 g, males weigh 50 - 70 g.

Habitat
It is mainly found in Mitchell grass on the cracking brown soils of the downs country of northwestern Queensland. The region where it occurs has extensive natural grasslands and savanna woodlands with an annual rainfall of 450 mm (18 in). The Julia Creek dunnart is nocturnal. It probably rests in the maze of underground cavities provided by the grass-covered, cracking brown soils of the region where it is found, similarly to other local rodents and marsupials. However the cracks close up during the rainy season.

Eating and Diet Habits
Dunnarts eat mostly insects, but they occasionally eat small vertebrates such as lizards and mice.

Predators
They Dunnart is a small animal so it is a prey for most predators including eagles, dingo's, foxes and feral cats it also has protection in the underground mazes.

Breeding Habits
 A 1-day old Julia Creek dunnart in its mother's pouch is approximately 4 mm (1/6") long and weighs 15 mg (0.0005 oz). The newborn breathes through its skin.

Numbers
Only 4 specimens had been collected between 1931 and 1972. However in 1991 and 1992 additional specimens were found. Breeding may occur throughout the year. A Dunnart may have  up to 8 young in a single litter.

Locations
They were believed to only be near Julia Creek and Richmond. In 1991 and 1992 additional specimens were found, including three live specimens in the downs country of northwest Queensland, which doubled the known range (to more than 200 km (124 mi) in the north-south direction) and increased the number of locations from 3 to 11.

Problems

  • It is not known whether a decline in the Julia Creek dunnart has occurred.
  • Its apparent rarity may be due more to a lack of surveys than to actual rarity. Since they hide underground.
  • Loss from predators when out in the open.
  • Removing groundcover which causes dirt to be blown away and destory their homes.
  • Digging up ground or compacting the ground which will kill the species.

Solutions

  • More survey's to determine how many really exist
  • Farmers check what is below the ground before digging or compacting. By ever digging small deep holes or pock the ground to see if there are tunnels below.
  • inform people about the Julia Creek Dunnart.
  • encourage habitat retention and restoration.
  • ongoing habitat management.
  • captive breeding of Julia Creek Dunnart and establishing new colonies.
  • support your local environment groups.
  • raise money for the rehabilitation of sites for Julia Creek Dunnart.
  • learn more about endangered animals, particularly those native to your area.
  • be a responsible pet owner so they do not impact on julia creek dunnart or other wildlife.
  • help in the eradication of foxes, cats and rabbits.
  • protect remnant native vegetation under Heritage Agreement by excluding stock .
  • revegetate cleared land with indigenous plants.