Hi Alastair,
I have reproduced below a section (with some recent taxonomic changes from
CSIRO List of Australian Vertebrates 2nd Ed.) on ACT mammals from the
following publication:
The Ecological Resources of the ACT
Technical Paper 42 Canberra ACT May 1984
National Capital Development Commission
ISBN 0 642 87615 0
ISSN 0313-9948
pp74-75
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Species Status Optimum Habitat
Types Marginal Habitat Types
Agile Antechinus (A. agilis) Common (Widespread Wet
sclerophyll forest Rivers
0-1800m in suitable habitat) Dry sclerophyll
forest Mountain streams & creeks
Montane grassy
woodland
Subalpine woodland
Scrub
Heath (subalpine)
Subalpine
grassland/alpine herbfield
Dusky Antechinus (A. swainsonii) Common (Limited Wet sclerophyll
forest Mountain streams & creeks
Also found >1600m in NSW distribution) Montane
grassy woodland
Subalpine woodland
Heath (subalpine)
Subalpine
grassland/alpine herbfield
Tablelands (Wet
tussock) grassland
Bog/fen
Yellow-footed Antechinus (A. f. flavipes) Common (Limited Dry
sclerophyll forest Rivers
Dry, lowland areas distribution) Lowland
grassy woodland Mountain streams & creeks
Scrub
Swamp sclerophyll
(riverine) forest
Rocky surfaces
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Interestingly this publication also contains a map showing Kangaroo
movement routes and the Honeyeater migration route.
I find it hard to believe that this publication may be the only 'recent'
definitive guide to the ACT's fauna and their habitat. Although the CSIRO
List of Australian Vertebrates is good from a taxonomic/conservation point
of view. I also cant find a defintive list of the altitudinal ranges of
Australian mammals.
One of my alpine guide books also mentions that A. agilis is 'strictly
nocturnal'.
Cheers
Marnix
"Alastair Smith"
<
l.com.au> To
"'Philip Veerman'"
19/02/2007 08:19 <>
PM cc
"Canberrabirds"
<
.au>
Subject
RE: [canberrabirds] Warks Road
Antechinus
Classification
|-------------------|
| [X] Unclassified |
| [ ] In Confidence |
|-------------------|
Philip,
I omitted the fact that it appeared to be a similar size (as well as
colour) to the White-browed Treecreeper (160-175mm) would indicate that it
was a largish species of antechinus (my initial reaction was that is was
another white-brow climbing down the stump). As such, this which would
probably rule out Agile (80-116mm) and point to yellow-footed (90-160mm) or
dusky (90-185mm). I presume both species a re found in the ACT but
interesting I cannot find a list of mammal species for the ACT (nor
birds/retiles for that matter) under the Environment ACT website.
Many thanks to all those who have replied on and offline – we’ll nail this
identification yet.
Cheers
Alastair
From: Philip Veerman
Sent: Monday, 19 February 2007 6:16 PM
To: Alastair Smith
Cc:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Warks Road Antechinus
I don't think that colour is enough of a guide. They are all pretty much
brownish. The size and shape are the issues. Most of the people who
identify these critters have them in hand whilst doing so. Although just
looking at a reference book now, suggests that size range within species is
much greater than between species. Although a lot of that is sexual
dimorphism, so if you don't know what sex it is, it is pretty hard to know
what size it should be. They are all mostly nocturnal but of course during
the breeding season, these critters go beserck and can be seen occasionally
during the daytime.
I once observed (and caught) a Pygmy Possum at Warks Road (about 22 years
ago), I have a photo of myself holding it.
Philip
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