Gilbert's dunnart (Sminthopsis gilberti) is a recently discovered dunnart, described in 1984. The length from snout to tail being 15.5–18 cm (6.1–7.1 in) of which the head and body are 8–9 cm (3.1–3.5 in) and the tail 7.5–9 cm (3.0–3.5 in). The hind foot size is 18 mm (0.71 in), the ear length is 21 mm (0.83 in) and with the weight is 14–25 g (0.49–0.88 oz).
Gilbert's dunnart | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
Order: | Dasyuromorphia |
Family: | Dasyuridae |
Genus: | Sminthopsis |
Species: | S. gilberti
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Binomial name | |
Sminthopsis gilberti Kitchener, Stoddart & Henry, 1984
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Gilbert's dunnart range |
Distribution and habitat
editGilbert'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 inhabits 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
editThis nocturnal species nests in hollows above ground or dense bush. Gilbert's dunnart breeds from September until December and young are weaned in January or February.
Diet
editGilbert's dunnart primarily eats insects.
References
edit- ^ McKenzie, N. (2016). "Sminthopsis gilberti". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T40543A21948233. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T40543A21948233.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 34. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. OCLC 62265494.
- Menkhorst, P.; Knight, F. (2001). A field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford Press. ISBN 978-0-19-550870-3.