Antechinus agilis

Agile Antechinus at Murrah, NSW

Antechinus agilis at Murrah, NSW - 9 Aug 2024 03:37 AM
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Identification history

Antechinus agilis 12 Aug 2025 MartinPredavec
Antechinus sp. (genus) 11 Aug 2025 JamesLidseyBCT
Antechinus sp. (genus) 11 Aug 2025 JoelStibbardBCT
Antechinus flavipes 9 Aug 2025 MartinPredavec

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10 comments

   9 Aug 2025
The body shape looks too small/slender for swainsonii.
   11 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec, fair call, I am curious about the flavipes suggestion, it's a fair bit south for that species, no?
   11 Aug 2025
@JamesLidseyBCT, flavipes goes all the way into Victoria. I agree there are not many records in this area, but there are some. It could be agilis. I suggested flavipes based on the shape and size (including the ears), but recognize it’s a hard call based on the image, particularly with no scale reference. Maybe we verify as Antechinus sp.
   11 Aug 2025
Thanks for your input Martin. Really appreciate you coming in and verifying (or not) our ID's. I agree that it is slender for a Dusky. Flavipes would be a great record for the area
   11 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec ahh I see, yeah I agree it's a hard call without scale. Happy to keep as Antechinus sp. I'm curious for your thoughts on other sightings that were taken in the same area and are a bit clearer, see - Antechinus agilis (Agile Antechinus)

Thank youu :)
   11 Aug 2025
@JamesLidseyBCT Thanks for engaging on this! I agree with the Antechinus agilis ID for the other sighting you've linked to. This is based on colouration, the ears (small and not very pronounced), general body shape and posture, size (the BCT bait tubes are great for scale - 90mm) and what is known from the area. I think it is still a hard call for many small mammals from a single photograph. Without having the animal in my hand, it often comes down to 'gestalt'. I strongly believe in the power of 'community wisdom' with these IDs.
I think you (BCT) are doing a great job with this. Thank you.
   11 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec Thanks Martin! Okay good to know re the characteristics and totally agree on the community wisdom! We are learning quickly that the generic camera trap set up we are getting participants to use is leading to a lot of difficult small mammal ID. Maybe in the future we'll suggest a corkboard vertical set up or suggest adjusting placement next time to change it up and focus more on small mammals/reptiles

When we meet in the future it would be great to get your thoughts/expertise in this area.

Also echoing Joels comments on your help in the project, we are incredibly grateful for your knowledge in verifying or correcting our IDs.

Looking forward to catching up in the future :)

Cheers
James
   12 Aug 2025
Hi @JamesLidseyBCT - I've run this particular ID by a good colleague who knows his Antechinus species. His first response was its 'agilis'. Characteristics that he highlighted include:

- Antechinus agilis from the head shape, size, behaviour etc
- flavipes has a more broadly triangular head shape (greater breadth at the zygomatic arches) than agilis, making it appear more robust. The ears are also larger and seem to stand up straight and erect, whereas those of agilis seem to stand out less from the fur on the head (hands up here - this is where I got thrown off track).
- the tail (no terminal dark tip with long hairs).

This will help me going forward.

Cheers,
Martin
   12 Aug 2025
Amazing Martin! Thanks so much for your help. Very happy to know we have you as a moderator!
   12 Aug 2025
@MartinPredavec, ahh I see, thank you for going the extra mile on this one! Great learnings for me as well!

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