Small Marsupials


PHOTOGRAPHY OF SMALL 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.

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Discussion

DonFletcher wrote:
4 hrs ago
Lovely photos

Isoodon obesulus obesulus
HelenCross wrote:
4 hrs ago
Identified by Millie Scicluna and Nikolas Haass on the Australian Mammal Identification Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BR5DMdCtj/

Sminthopsis crassicaudata
13 Aug 2025
Hi Martin! Do you think after our discussion on the other sighting that this is an agilis?

Antechinus sp. (genus)
12 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec, ahh I see, thank you for going the extra mile on this one! Great learnings for me as well!

Antechinus agilis
12 Aug 2025
Amazing Martin! Thanks so much for your help. Very happy to know we have you as a moderator!

Antechinus agilis
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