Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale
Phascogale pirata
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 13/07/2010
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 15/06/2015
Population trend: Unknown
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 Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale is a nocturnal, carnivorous marsupial with a distinguishable long, black tail that forms a bottlebrush shape when alarmed. The Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale is restricted to eucalypt forests in the top end of the Northern Territory. The feed in trees and on the ground and shelter in tree hollows during the day.
Threats
Threats to the Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale are changed fire regimes which lead to reduction in forest structure and availability of suitable tree hollows. The expected increase in severe cyclones with climate change could be detrimental to this species through reduction in forest structure. Predation by feral cats and poisoning from cane toads is also a real threat to this species.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Vulnerability Score:
43
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.