Dunnart

The endangered Julia Creek dunnart (Smithopsis douglasi) has been recorded in the far south of the grasslands. ❋ Unknown (2008)

However a high number of mammal species, 14 percent of the total mammalian fauna, are considered regionally or globally threatened, including the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis VU), hairy-footed dunnart (Sminthopsis hirtipes), dusky hopping mouse (Notomys fuscus VU), mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda VU), and kowari. ❋ Unknown (2008)

New records of the Julia Creek dunnart, Sminthopsis douglasi (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae). ❋ Unknown (2008)

New vertebrate species are still being discovered in this ecoregion, such as the recently described burrowing snake Simoselaps morrisi, the Kakadu dunnart (Sminthopsis bindi), and the Kakadu pebble-mound mouse (Pseudomys calabyi), indicating that other species may remain to be discovered. ❋ Unknown (2008)

Several threatened mammals, the endangered sandhill dunnart (Sminthopsis psammophila), the endangered marsupial mole (Notoryctes typhlops), and the vulnerable mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) still occur within the region. ❋ Unknown (2008)

Small carnivorous marsupials, typically including the long-tailed planigale (Planigale ingrami) and the stripe-faced dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura), are among the most abundant mammals using this subterranean shelter. ❋ Unknown (2007)

The endangered Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is endemic to the downs, Desert Uplands, and restricted areas of the Gulf Plains immediately north of the downs. ❋ Unknown (2007)

The mainland subspecies of swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) and white footed dunnart (Sminthopsis leucopus) are largely restricted to coastal regions, while other species, such as the koala, are widespread throughout this ecoregion and excluded from the Central Highlands because of the cold winters. ❋ Unknown (2007)

While the thylacine, the devil, and the eastern quoll had been lost altogether, two minuscule species the white-footed dunnart and the swamp antechinus, a couple of mousy carnivorous marsupials did maintain populations on some of the tiny islands. ❋ David Quammen (2004)

During torpor, an animal's body temperature drops - a dunnart will go down to around 15 C - meaning a lot less food and water is required to keep it functioning. ❋ Unknown (2009)

The fat-tailed dunnart, one of Australia's smallest and most widespread marsupials, basks in the sun to reduce its need for food and water in the desert - a strategy traditionally associated with cold-blooded animals. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Basking after a midday period of torpor allows the fat-tailed dunnart to survive on a quarter of the food and water it would normally require. ❋ Unknown (2009)