Eastern Jerboa Marsupial

Need more Eastern Jerboa Marsupial facts? Featured Creature Kokako The kokako is also called the organ-bird because of its haunting, organ-like song which consists of loud, clear and melodious notes. Breeding pairs sing their own distinctive duets for half an hour at dawn, with other birds joining in the choir. Learn more about the Kokako.   Join the Featured Creature Mailing List Would you like to receive a notice and link when the new Creature Feature is posted? Enter your e-mail address below:   HTML   Text-only Privacy Policy

Scientific Name:
Antechinomys laniger

Other Names and/or Listed subspecies:
Kultarr, Jerboa Pouched-mouse, Wuhl-wuhl, Pitchi-pitchi

Area(s) Where Listed As Endangered:
Australia

The Eastern jerboa marsupial is native to central and southern Australia and the only species of its genus (Antechinomys). Adults reach between 2.76 to 3.94 inches in length with a tail length of 3.94 to 5.91 inches. Average weight for adults is 20 to 30 grams, and males are larger and heavier than females. Fur color is fawn gray to sandy brown, with white underparts. A dark ring appears around both eyes. The most distinctive features of this species are its large ears and four-toed hind legs which give it the ability to move around in a hopping motion.

This species is found in scattered woodlands and scrubby semideserts. It is solitary and carnivorous, feeding mainly on cockroaches, spiders, and crickets. Breeding occurs in the winter and spring, and females give birth between August and November. Jerboa marsupials build their nests in soil cracks, or they may occupy abandoned burrows of other species.

The main threats to this species appear to be habitat loss due to human disturbance and the introduction of predators such as cats and foxes.