Kimberley brush-tailed phascogale

Phascogale tapoatafa kimberleyensis

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Vulnerable

Listed since: 15/08/2017

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Near Threatened

Listed since: 31/12/2012

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: Brush-tailed Phascogale (Kimberley)

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 Kimberley Brush-tailed Phascogale originally occurred in coastal and near coastal areas in the tropical north and its current status in the Kimberley is unclear as there have been very few recent records despite numerous surveys. As a result, there is little information on the ecology of the Brush-tailed Phascogale in the Kimberley. However, based on vegetation mapping and habitat requirements of other phascogale species, it is likely to require woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus and Corymbia species with old and dead trees that have suitable nesting hollows.

Threats

The Kimberley Brush-tailed Phascogale is mainly threatened by inappropriate fire regimes and feral cats and its distribution in isolated subpopulations may make it more vulnerable to local extirpation from these threats.