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:
Yesterday
Sminthopsis have conspicuous pale underside, white fur on top of rear feet, the underside of the hind feet is hairy at the heel and sides and the local species, S. murina has three granulated toe pads in a transverse row across the ball of the hind foot and no other pads.
Antechinus agilis
VanessaC
wrote:
2 Nov 2025
Eastern barred bandicoot - I saw the stripes on its rump, but couldn't get a photo of it...
Perameles nasuta
Safarigirl
wrote:
4 Oct 2025
Thanks @DonFletcher
I’ll edit the video so it’s smaller and send it to you. It was eating moths drawn to the light from the lounge room. It was an amazing sight. I am unsure what other Antechinus or Dunnart species have been identified near here.
I’ll edit the video so it’s smaller and send it to you. It was eating moths drawn to the light from the lounge room. It was an amazing sight. I am unsure what other Antechinus or Dunnart species have been identified near here.
Antechinus flavipes
Significant sightings
- Bettongia penicillata
- Myrmecobius fasciatus
- Perameles nasuta at Uriarra Village, ACT
- Isoodon obesulus obesulus at Tharwa, ACT
- Peramelidae (family) at Cotter River, ACT
- Perameles nasuta at Cotter River, ACT
- Perameles nasuta at Booth, ACT
- Perameles nasuta at Booth, ACT
- Perameles nasuta at Booth, ACT
- Perameles nasuta at Booth, ACT
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