The phascogales are carnivorous Australian marsupials of the family Dasyuridae. There are three species: the brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), the red-tailed phascogale (P. calura), and the northern brush-tailed phascogale (P. pirata). Otherwise known by Tuan, wambengers or Kenngoor (in Noongar).
It's a shy, cryptic species that occurs in low densities and forages over a very large home range (female 20–70 ha, males 100 ha) which means only small populations can exist in quite large areas of habitat. They are primarily arboreal, and forage for their diet, which is predominantly large insects, spiders, and centipedes. It has a uniform deep grey on the head, back, and flanks, light grey to pale cream underneath with large naked ears, and a conspicuous, black 'brushy' tail.
Hollows in dead or live trees provide preferred den sites, although nests constructed under flaking bark, or in tree stumps are sometimes used but provide a less secure substitute against predators in areas where hollows are scarce. Mating occurs in late autumn - early winter and males die after the breeding season at an age of about one year old. Females give birth to about six young from mid-June to early August.
Unfortunately, all are now classed as Vulnerable under the EPBC act except the red-tailed phascogale (P. calura) which in Endangered. This is due to the clearing and fragmentation of preferred habitats combined with changes to the forest structure through inappropriate fire management has impacted habitat values. A reduced abundance of hollows limits breeding opportunities and increases exposure to predation from foxes and cats.
It's a shy, cryptic species that occurs in low densities and forages over a very large home range (female 20–70 ha, males 100 ha) which means only small populations can exist in quite large areas of habitat. They are primarily arboreal, and forage for their diet, which is predominantly large insects, spiders, and centipedes. It has a uniform deep grey on the head, back, and flanks, light grey to pale cream underneath with large naked ears, and a conspicuous, black 'brushy' tail.
Hollows in dead or live trees provide preferred den sites, although nests constructed under flaking bark, or in tree stumps are sometimes used but provide a less secure substitute against predators in areas where hollows are scarce. Mating occurs in late autumn - early winter and males die after the breeding season at an age of about one year old. Females give birth to about six young from mid-June to early August.
Unfortunately, all are now classed as Vulnerable under the EPBC act except the red-tailed phascogale (P. calura) which in Endangered. This is due to the clearing and fragmentation of preferred habitats combined with changes to the forest structure through inappropriate fire management has impacted habitat values. A reduced abundance of hollows limits breeding opportunities and increases exposure to predation from foxes and cats.
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The Red-Tailed Phascogale is a small tree-dwelling, native and nocturnal marsupial. Once widespread across southern Australia, it now only survives between Narrogin, Lake Grace, and Kojonup.
If you see this cutie outside this area, please report it to help direct conservation efforts. |
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