Broad-striped dasyure

The Rothschild New Guinea bag mouse ( Paramurexia Rothschildi ) is a marsupial from the family of Dasyuridae ( Dasyuridae ). The specific epithet honors the English zoologist Walter Rothschild.

Features

The 10 type specimens captured in the 1930s and 1950s, have a head-body length of 124-170 mm, a tail length of 140-184 mm, a Hinterfußlänge 25 to 34 mm, an ear length of 13 to 21.5 mm and a weight of 32 102 g the top is dull light gray and characterized by a black dorsal stripe, which is the widest stripe back on all bags mice. The underside is light brown. The smooth coat is short and dense. The females have four teats.

Distribution and habitat

Occurrences are known from the Aroa River, in the southeastern part of New Guinea from Mount Simpson, from Mount Mura as well as from the regions of Opanabu and Agaun in the Milne Bay Province. The species inhabits hill forests and ancient, montane humid forests at altitudes 600-1400 m.

Way of life

The lifestyle of Rothschild New Guinea bag mouse is been explored very little. The species is ground- inhabiting, but also adapted to the climbing. It is mainly nocturnal and lives during the day in underground nests. The females probably throw throughout the year and bring up to four young. The food consists among other things of beetle larvae and birds.

System

The Rothschild New Guinea bag mouse was formerly placed in the genus Murexia. In 2002, she was classified by Steve van Dyck basis of cladistic analysis in the monotypic genus Paramurexia. Genetic studies, however, continue to support a position within the genus Murexia.

Status

The Rothschild New Guinea bag mouse is known only from 23 specimens. According to IUCN their population is considered endangered ( vulnerable ). The main hazards arise from habitat loss and predation by hunting dogs. In addition jeopardize a planned nickel mine and oil palm plantations the stock of Art