Swamp Antechinus (mainland)
Antechinus minimus maritimus
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 5/05/2016
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Least Concern
Listed since: 15/06/2015
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 Swamp Antechinus (mainland) is a small carnivorous marsupial and is mainly found in damp areas including dense wet heathlands, tussock grasslands, damp gullies and swamps. It is partly diurnal (active during the day) and shelters in shallow burrows or beneath leaf litter. Its diet includes a wide range of invertebrates, and some small vertebrates and seeds.
Threats
Climate change and too frequent burning are severe threats to this species as fire can eliminate the Swamp Antechinus and they require mature dense vegetation with thick ground cover to survive, and drier conditions predicted with climate change would change the wetland characteristics. Predation by feral cats and foxes is also a large threat to this species.