Atherton antechinus

The Atherton antechinus (Antechinus godmani), also known as Godman's antechinus, is a species of small carnivorous marsupial native to Australia. It is one of the rarest members of its genus, and differs from other antechinuses in its more rufous body colour and small eyes.[3]

Atherton antechinus[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Dasyuromorphia
Family: Dasyuridae
Genus: Antechinus
Species:
A. godmani
Binomial name
Antechinus godmani
Thomas, 1923
Atherton antechinus range

Taxonomy

The Atherton antechinus was first described in 1923 by Oldfield Thomas. For many years, it was regarded as a subspecies of the yellow-footed antechinus (A. flavipes).[4]

A member of the dasyurid family, the Atherton antechinus is a member of the genus Antechinus, of which it is one of the most restricted members.

Description

The Atherton antechinus is a dull brown colour, and is among the largest of the antechinuses. The species has an almost naked tail.[4]

The Atherton antechinus believed to be mostly nocturnal or crepuscular,[3] and feeds mostly on terrestrial invertebrates. The mating season is July–August, after which all of the males die.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The Atherton antechinus is restricted to a 130 km region of rainforest between Mount Bellenden Ker and Cardwell, in northeastern Queensland. It builds nests in tree hollows or litter of epiphyte.[3]

References
  1. Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 29. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. OCLC 62265494.
  2. Burnett, S.; Winter, J. (2019). "Antechinus godmani". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T1583A21945986. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T1583A21945986.en.
  3. Menkhorst, Peter (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press. p. 54.
  4. Van Dyck, S.M. (1995). "Atherton Antechinus". In Strahan, Ronald (ed.). The Mammals of Australia. Reed Books. pp. 89–90.
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