Ooldea dunnart

Morphology

The Ooldea dunnart is similar to several other dunnart species with grey fur above and a white underbelly, but it differs in being slightly smaller. Adult weights range from 8-17 g and average at 11 g.

Evolution

The Ooldea dunnart belongs to the Family Dasyuridae, the carnivorous marsupials. This group is part of the Australian radiation of marsupials and they occur in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Dasyuridae is further divided into the sub-family Sminthopsinae, which includes the dunnarts, planigales, ningauis and the monotypic kultarr. Sminthopsini and Planigalini clades are thought to have diverged around 20 mya, during the Miocene, and genetic lineages within the Sminthopsis (dunnarts) diverged around 15-10 mya such that the species occurring today had all diverged by the early Pliocene. Dunnarts are endemic to Australia, with one species also occurring in New Guinea. The dunnart genus, Sminthopsis, is large and contains 18 currently recognised species with some representing polyphyletic groups containing unresolved taxonomy. The Ooldea dunnart falls within the Murina species group.

Behaviour

Little known, nocturnal insectivore.

Method of reproduction

Monoestrous, young born in spring, 8 teats but usually 5-6 young.

Habitat

Terrestrial

Mulga shrublands and woodlands with tussock grass understory. Less common on dunes, sandplains and spinifex. Occasionally chenopod shrublands on clay soils.

Distribution

Arid rangeland areas of central WA, NT and north-west SA. Occurs in south-east portion of Pilbara only.
Not endemic to Western Australia.