Small Marsupials

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PHOTOGRAPHY OF SMAL MAMMALS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Most photos of small terrestrial mammals submitted to Canberra Nature Map for identification that were photographed in the Canberra suburban area are of a Black Rat (Rattus rattus). The next most likely species is the House Mouse (Mus musculus). Outside the city, at present, photos of Black Rats outnumber all other small mammal photos combined. However you may have found something different. Here are some tips for what to include in your photos to increase the potential for correct identification:

An image that is sharp, not blurry;
A scale;
A view of the whole animal (preferably stretched out if it is a carcass);
Views of every surface - (not always possible but ideally this includes a profile of the head, good views of the ears, the belly, the pads on the hind feet, and a good view of the fur and skin on the tail from below and above);
Views of the teeth; and
A count of the number of teats.

Small Marsupials

Antechinuses

Other Small Marsupials

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Discussion

LisaH wrote:

25 May 2025

Thank you. These images are still shots from a 20 second video from a wildlife camera. I don’t think this is a black rat, as I’ve never seen a black rat move like this - this one literally hopped vertically, at least five times its body height each time it bounced. I’ve seen black rats bound, but their movement is more of a horizontal bound than a vertical hop? Happy to send the video if you’d like?

Antechinus sp. (genus)

DonFletcher wrote:

25 May 2025

Hi @LisaH If this is the only image, we better go with unidentified small mammal, as it could also be e.g. a juv black rat. Black (Roof) Rats are also very agile.

Antechinus sp. (genus)

JoelStibbardBCT wrote:

13 May 2025

This one has the look of a common dunnart and lacks the colouring of the antechinus

Sminthopsis murina

JoelStibbardBCT wrote:

13 May 2025

the grey head and rufous bum suggests yellow-footed antechinus

Antechinus flavipes

JoelStibbardBCT wrote:

13 May 2025

Common Dunnart

Sminthopsis murina

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