Fawn antechinus

Antechinus bellus

Antechinus bellus is a living in the tropical north of Australia representative of the family of Dasyuridae ( Dasyuridae ). This locally common species is the Yellow-footed bag mouse very close and was originally described as Phascogale bella.

Appearance

It is at A. bellus one of the largest of this genus. Adult animals can reach 112-145 mm snout-vent length and 90 to 125 mm tail length, with a weight limit of 25 to 60 grams. With her coloring - mostly pale to gray, with a white chin and white paws - it is also the brightest Breitfuß bag mouse.

Dissemination

A. bellus occurs only in tropical Northern Territory (Australia ), the southern limit of the distribution area can be drawn at about 14 ° south latitude.

Habitat

Be colonized influenced by monsoon forests, which are typically dominated by Eucalyptus. These trees have often been hollowed out by termites and can thus offer shelter and protection, also found in the woods a strong grass or shrub layer. The forests are often in flames during the dry season. It is the only Breitfuß bag mouse, which occurs in this area and this habitat.

A. bellus seeks shelter in hollow standing or lying on the ground tree trunks. There have also been observed animals fled at risk in tree holes at 10 meters height. Otherwise, the nocturnal activity and foraging is limited to the ground.

Food

In the few tests carried out for food of this kind investigations remains were found exclusively on insects in the stomachs of the animals.

Reproduction

The mating season of these occurring in the tropics nature seems to be in August, but already from June may occur in males sperm production. The peculiarities of the pairing correspond to the general pattern in Breitfuß Bag mice, so it all die shortly after mating males. The end of September to early October births were observed from 10 pups, but it also pregnant animals were studied with 16 embryos. Since these animals have only 10 teats to get lost in such a case, some young animals. Accurate data to lie but not before, as it has not yet succeeded in breeding this species in captivity.

Endangering

The IUCN leads Antechinus bellus as Least Concern ( Threatened ).

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