As we inch closer to the long weekend (in Canada), I thought we could celebrate by talking about one of my favourite group of animals….the marsupials. Yes, the Fat-Tailed Dunnart is a small, rodent-like marsupial. As you might have guessed, this pouched creature, who happens to be in the same family as the Tasmanian Devil and Quolls, can be found throughout much of Australia. I am not sure if we will be able to make it back from Australia in time for the long weekend, so you may want to bring some extra clothes just in case. Let’s take some time now to learn a little more about our tiny Australian friend.
Smallest Carnivorous Marsupial
As mentioned the Fat-Tailed Dunnart is a marsupial, meaning their babies develop inside of an external pouch. But this mouse-like animal is so much more than just a animal with a front pocket. For starters, they are one of the smallest carnivorous marsupials on the planet, with an average weight around 10-20 grams (0.35 – 0.71 ounces).
What could these little creatures possibly eat?
Believe it or not, they tend to feast on the much larger animals such as the Kangaroo. No, I am not being serious! These little creatures eat your typical food items such as beetles, spider larvae and of course small reptiles and amphibians. These little marsupials are pretty savvy savers, and would probably make my financial advisor happy. Although they don’t save money (but they could since they have a pocket to keep it in), they do save fat! What?!? Most people I know are trying to get rid of fat. Well, the Fat-Tailed Dunnart prefers to store these fat reserves in their tail….just in case they need it during a food shortage. Smart little animal, aren’t they?
The Ultimate Survivor
The ability to store fat in their tail isn’t the only strategy the Fat-Tailed Dunnart uses to ensure survival in a harsh environment. Their nocturnal behaviour allows them to hunt for food during the much cooler night, while they sleep throughout most of the scorching hot days. When they are awake, they are pretty much looking for their next meal. The Fat-Tailed Dunnart is capable of eating their own body weight worth of food every night. Could you imagine if we did that? Just picture the size of steak we would need to eat!
Even with these adaptations the expected life span for our mouse-like marsupial is anywhere between 15 and 18 months. They may not live very long but I am willing to bet they enjoy every moment of their time down under.
