Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Phascogale calura
Conservation status in NSW:
Extinct
Profile last updated:
05 Aug 2019
Description
The Red-tailed Phascogale is a small, arboreal, carnivorous marsupial with ash-grey fur above and cream fur below. Its distinctive tail grows up to 14.5 cm long, is reddish-brown on the base and ends in a brush of long black hair. This marsupial also has large, thin, reddish ears. This species is highly sexually dimorphic with males growing to 12.2 cm long and weighing up to 68 grams, and females growing to 10.5 cm and weighing 48 grams.
Distribution
Extant populations of the Red-tailed Phascogale are restricted to remnants of native vegetation throughout the wheat belt of south-western Western Australia.
Prior to agricultural expansion in the 1800s, the Red-tailed Phascogale was widespread throughout Western Australia and extended eastward to the Murray Darling basin in NSW. It was previously found in most arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. However, it suffered a significant range contraction following European settlement and is now known to occur only in the central and southern wheatbelt areas of Western Australia an area which receives an annual rainfall of between 350 and 600 mm.
Habitat and ecology
- The Red-tailed Phascogale's preferred habitats are Allocasuarina woodlands with hollow-containing eucalypts.
- Population numbers appear to be greatest in habitat that has been unburnt for 20 years or more. A large proportion of nest sites are in highly flammable locations, such as stands of dead Allocasuarina and the skirts and stumps of live and dead grass trees. No precise habitat information is available for the arid zone, or the southern and eastern semi-arid zone.
- During bush fires, Red-tailed Phascogales use tree hollows above the height of flames for protection.
- The Red-tailed Phascogale is an opportunistic predator. They generally move to the ground to feed on a wide range of insects and spiders, with a preference for those less than 10 mm in length. They also consume small birds and mammals.
- Red-tailed Phascogales reach sexual maturity by May/June. This species exhibits an annual male die-off, where, after the winter mating period, all males die witihin one month of mating. Males live to 11.5 months, while females live up to 36 months and can reproduce two or three times.
- The gestation period is 28–30 days, after which the female can give birth to 13 young but only a litter of six to eight are reared per year (as only 8 teats are available). Some females also breed in their second or third year.
Threats
- In the past, the main threat to Red-tailed Phascogales has been the clearing of their habitat for agriculture and associated development, combined with the introduction of the fox in the 1930s. Changed fire regimes, cats and foxes are the major current threats to this species. There is evidence that Red-tailed Phascogale populations have responded positively to fox control.
- Predation by introduced predators such as cats, dogs and foxes.
- Competition from large feral herbivores.
- Competition from rabbits.
- Inappropriate fire regime.
- Inbreeding depression and loss of genetic diversity.
- Small population size.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Habitat management on DEC-managed land, targeting Allocasuarina heugeliana - Eucalyptus wandoo association
- Determine effects of fox control on populations
- Study the effect of cat control on populations.
- Increase abundance (and range) by reintroduction to suitable large conservation reserves.
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