Black-tailed Antechinus - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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: Antechinus arktos

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 04 Dec 2015

Profile last updated: 13 Sep 2021

Description

The Black-tailed Antechinus is a small, nocturnal, insectivorous marsupial. The species is a relatively large-bodied (46-120 g) antechinus and has a marked change of colour from greyish-brown fur on the head, chest and shoulders to an orange-brown toned rump. There is dense, short fur on the black tail and hindfeet. Guard hairs are prominent giving the animal an overall shaggy appearance and are up to 25mm long on the rump. There is no distinct eye-ring but the Black-tailed Antechinus has orange-brown fur on the upper and lower eyelid, cheek and in front of the ear. The claws are long on both hands and feet (Baker et. al. 2014).

Distribution

The species occurs in areas of highest altitude and rainfall at the summit of the Tweed Volcano caldera of far south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. The distribution of the species appears to be contracting altitudinally, with no recent records in some lower altitude areas where it was found in the 1970s-80s.

Habitat and ecology

The species is found in cool subtropical cloud forest / rainforest comprising complex notophyll vine forest and simple microphyll fern forest featuring a low canopy, very dense vines and a rocky substrate.
Black-tailed Dusky Antechinus possibly occur in association with cloud-stripping plant species, having been found in gullies and slopes supporting Flax Lilly (Helmholtzia glaberrima) and stands of Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei).

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Restricted distribution.
Small population size.
Lack of knowledge regarding the distribution of the species.
Climate change resulting in alteration of habitat structure and resource availability.
Climate change resulting in microclimate modification.
Lack of knowledge regarding the ecology of the species.
Lack of knowledge of threats to the species.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Undertake surveys in areas of potential habitat.
Undertake research into the ecological requirements of the species.
Monitor known populations.
Assess threats and develop appropriate recovery strategies.
Investigate the impact of vertebrate pests including feral cats, foxes and pigs.