Sminthopsis murina (Waterhouse, 1838)

Common Names and Taxonomy

The slender-tailed dunnart, scientifically named Sminthopsis murina, is also called the common dunnart in Australia. It is a dasyurid marsupial.

Body and Tail Length

On average, this species has a body length of 7 to 12 centimeters (2.8–4.7 inches), and a tail length of 5.5 to 13 centimeters (2.2–5.1 inches).

Weight

Males weigh between 25 and 40.8 grams, while females weigh between 16.5 and 25.4 grams.

Distribution Range

The slender-tailed dunnart is native to the east and south-east coast and interior of Australia, ranging from the Cape York Peninsula to the Port Lincoln area of South Australia.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies: S. m. murina is found across the species’ entire range, and S. m. tatei is found between Townsville and Cairns in Queensland.

Altitude and Rainfall Preferences

This species occurs at altitudes between 60 and 360 metres (196.9–1181.1 ft), and prefers habitats with an average annual rainfall between 30 and 85 centimetres (11.8–33.5 in).

General Habitat Types

Recorded habitats include Mallee scrub, open forests, woodlands, and dry heath.

Regional Habitat Variations

In Victoria, these habitats have sparse ground and shrub cover, but dense leaf and bark litter; in Queensland, the species can also be found at rainforest edges and in swamps.