Pilbara ningaui
Pilbara ningaui[1] | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Infraclass: | Marsupialia |
Order: | Dasyuromorphia |
Family: | Dasyuridae |
Genus: | Ningaui |
Species: | N. timealeyi
|
Binomial name | |
Ningaui timealeyi | |
Pilbara ningaui range |
The Pilbara ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi), sometimes known as Ealey's ningaui, is a tiny species of marsupial carnivore found in Australia.
Taxonomy
The species was described by
Description
The Pilbara ningaui is a very small species of marsupial, 45 to 58 mm (1.8 to 2.3 in) in length. The fur is spiky and dishevelled in appearance, the upper parts are a mix of ginger and brown hairs, or grey-brown, with a rufous colouration across the flanks, ears and face. The eyes are close-set and the muzzle is long and pointed. The tail is 60 to 76 mm (2.4 to 3.0 in) long and they weigh from 5 to 9.4 g (0.18 to 0.33 oz). The females possess six teats, fewer than others of the genus.[4]
This makes the Pilbara ningaui among of the smallest of all marsupials, surpassed only by the planigales. It is partly arboreal, and differs from others of the genus in its smaller size and rufous-tinted face.[5]
Distribution and habitat
The species is found in the
Behaviour
A partly arboreal species that forages in the dense undergrowth. Breeding is dependent on the extent of seasonal rain in the region, beginning in September and rearing of young continuing as late as March. The size of each litter may be four to six young.[4]
See also
References
- OCLC 62265494.
- . Retrieved 11 November 2021.
- ^ a b Archer, M. (1975). "Ningaui, a new genus of tiny dasyurids (Marsupialia) and two new species, N. timealeyi and N. ridei, from arid Western Australia". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 17: 237–249.
- ^ ISBN 9780195573954.
- ^ Menkhorst, Peter (2001). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford University Press. p. 62.