Family

Genus

Anthechinus

Species

Common name/s

Yellow-footed Marsupial Mouse, Mardo

Distinguishing Features

This small species has a body length of 9-16cm with a 7-15cm tail. It has a slate-grey coloured head and back, while the rump, belly and sides are a red-brown colour. It has fairly big, round black eyes, a pointed snout with a dark nose and whiskers. If you get close enough, the two pale, crescent shaped markings above and below the eyes can be seen. The very tip of the tail is usually black. 

Similar Species

This Antechinus is one of the most colourful small mammals and the colour transition from grey to warm red-brown is unique.

Distribution

This species is found from northeast QLD down to western VIC and in the southwest area of WA.

Country of Origin

Australia

Top

Survey Techniques

This species was identified by trapping.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

Associated vegetation community

The Yellow-footed Antechinus is found in a variety of habitats, including rainforest, swampland and dry woodland.

Limiting Resources

This species requires a good layer of leaf litter or forest vegetation to forage through for prey.

Breeding

This species breeds once a year, in late August to early September. After a vigorous 12-hour mating session, the males die. Females are left to care for the young alone. About a month after mating, 12 young are born, spending five weeks in their mother's pouch, constantly attached to their mother's teat. At around three months they are weaned and live in their leafy nest to about 12 months of age.

Behaviour

This antechinus is nervous and cheeky, often visiting suburban households and their gardens. It moves with swift, darting movements and can run upside down along tree braches and rocks. During the day it scampers through leaf litter in search of prey and nests at night. Males are known to travel further from their nest than females. Throughout most of the year it prefers to be solitary. However, in the lead up to breeding season, animals come together and males can be aggressive towards one another, often loosing hair in fights.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

This Antechinus mostly eats a variety of insects, however it will also eat flowers, nectar, small birds or House Mice (Mus domesticus ). These are collected through foraging on the forest floor.

Top

Predators

Feral and domestic Cats (Felis catus ) and predatory birds like the Boobook Owl (Ninox novaeseelandiae) attack and eat this species.

Interesting Fact

Although they are sometimes referred to as marsupial mice, the Yellow-footed Antechinus is the ecological equivalent of a shrew, weasel or a mongoose in other parts of the world.