Small Marsupials


PHOTOGRAPHY OF SMALL MAMMALS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Most photos of small terrestrial mammals submitted to Canberra Nature Map for identification that were photographed in the Canberra suburban area are of a Black Rat (Rattus rattus).  The next most likely species is the House Mouse (Mus musculus). Outside the city, at present, photos of Black Rats outnumber all other small mammal photos combined. However you may have found something different.  Here are some tips for what to include in your photos to increase the potential for correct identification:

  • An image that is sharp, not blurry;
  • A scale;
  • A view of the whole animal (preferably stretched out if it is a carcass);
  • Views of every surface -  (not always possible but ideally this includes a profile of the head, good views of the ears, the belly, the pads on the hind feet, and a good view of the fur and  skin on the tail from below and above);
  • Views of the teeth; and
  • A count of the number of teats.

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Discussion

Safarigirl wrote:
12 hrs ago
Thanks @DonFletcher
I’ll edit the video so it’s smaller and send it to you. It was eating moths drawn to the light from the lounge room. It was an amazing sight. I am unsure what other Antechinus or Dunnart species have been identified near here.

Antechinus flavipes
DonFletcher wrote:
12 hrs ago
Hi @Safarigirl, I can see it is a small Dasyurid, i.e. in this area an Antechinus or Sminthopsus (Dunnarts). Probably it was Antechinus agilis but I'd like more confidence in ruling out Sminthopsus murina and Antechinus flavipes. NatureMapper does not accept videos. Could you email a small video to me please at DonFletcher999@gmail.com Do you remember what Antechinus or Dunnart species have previously been identified in the vicinity?

Antechinus flavipes
Safarigirl wrote:
Yesterday
I have multiple video recordings and I’ve taken a screenshot but I’m unable to upload it

Antechinus flavipes
DonFletcher wrote:
Yesterday
Hi Safarigirl, thanks for your sighting. The media you provided is missing or unclear. To help us verify this sighting, please provide additional media. cheers, Don

Antechinus flavipes
DonFletcher wrote:
10 Sep 2025
@Liam.m Thanks for that. Be my guest ...

Sminthopsis murina
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