Kingdom Animalia Infraclass Marsupialia Family Dasyuridae Scientific name Sminthopsis gilberti Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Order Dasyuromorphia Genus Sminthopsis Higher classification Dunnart | |
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Similar Little long‑tailed dunnart, White‑tailed dunnart, Grey‑bellied dunnart, Chestnut dunnart, Ooldea dunnart | ||
Gilbert's dunnart (Sminthopsis gilberti) is a recently discovered dunnart, described in 1984. The length from snout to tail being 155–180 mm of which head to anus is 80–90 mm and tail 75–90 mm long. Hind foot size is 18 mm, ear length of 21 mm and with a weight of 14-25 grams.
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Distribution and habitat
Gilbert's dunnart is found in the southern wheat belt of Western Australia close to Perth and the Swan River, as well as the Roe plain near the South Australian border. The habitat it enjoys consists of heath and heathy forest and is abundant on coastal rangers, dry sclerophyll forest, semi arid woodlands and mallee scrub.
Social organisation and breeding
This nocturnal species nests in hollows above ground or dense bush. Gilbert's dunnart breeds from September until December and young are weaned in January or February.
Diet
Gilbert's dunnart primarily eats insects.