Fawn Antechinus
Antechinus bellus
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 3/12/2015
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 15/03/2014
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: None
Priority Species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Fawn Antechinus is only found in the forest and woodlands in the lowlands of the Northern Territory. It is a terrestrial, partly arboreal insectivore that is generally active at dusk and dawn. The diet consists of invertebrates and small vertebrates such as geckoes. The Fawn Antechinus shelters in tree hollows and fallen logs and shows a preference to areas exposed to cooler and less frequent fires.
Threats
The current threats to the Fawn Antechinus are predation by feral cats, inappropriate fire regimes and habitat loss and fragmentation.
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database