Greater Stick-nest Rat
Leporillus conditor
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 26/03/2008
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Near Threatened
Listed since: 31/12/2012
Population trend: Stable
Other names: Wopilkara
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 greater stick-nest rat is a large rodent with fluffy yellow-brown to grey fur on their back and cream fur below. A blunt snout, large, dark eyes and large, rounded ears are also characteristic of the species and distinctive white markings on their upper feet. When resting, the species sits in a hunched position that is similar to the stance of a rabbit. Greater stick-nest rats are herbivores, feeding on the leaves and fruits of a wide variety of species, with a preference for succulent and semi-succulent plants�
Threats
Greater Stick-nest Rats are highly susceptible to predation by foxes and cats. Introduced herbivores would have exacerbated population declines by competing for food and trampling nests.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
54
To help compare the relative vulnerability of different species, we have developed a scoring system based on biological and ecological characteristics that influence a species' ability to survive and recover from environmental change and natural disasters.
The framework is adapted from assessment methods used by conservation experts following the Black Summer bushfires to help identify species most in need of conservation action, research, and recovery funding.
Each species is assessed using a range of factors, including its conservation status, lifespan, reproductive rate, habitat and dietary requirements, ability to disperse or recover after fire, and the number and severity of threats it faces.
In general, the higher a species' score, the greater its overall vulnerability and risk of decline or extinction.
Like all conservation assessments, this scoring system is limited by the information currently available. Many threatened species remain poorly studied and receive limited research funding, meaning some assessments rely on the best available scientific knowledge or information from closely related species. As new research becomes available, scores may be updated to reflect our improved understanding.