Facts about Grey Dunnart

1. 09

   A genus member of Sminthopsis, the grey dunnart enters torpor during cold or food-scarce conditions, reducing its metabolic rate to conserve energy.

   Grey DunnartJun 8sharebiologymarsupialadaptation
2. 08

   Nocturnal hunts by grey dunnarts involve rapid directional changes aided by their enlarged eyes, which provide superior night vision compared to many other small marsupials.

   Grey DunnartMay 14sharesensorybehavioradaptation
3. 07

   Grey dunnarts possess specialized scent glands on their flanks that they use to mark territory and communicate with potential mates during breeding season.

   Grey DunnartMay 14sharebiologybehaviorsensory
4. 06

   Seasonal breeding patterns in grey dunnarts align with peak insect abundance, typically occurring between September and February in Australian spring and summer months.

   Grey DunnartMay 14sharebiologybehaviorseasonal
5. 05

   In laboratory conditions, grey dunnarts can survive up to 6 years, though wild populations typically live only 2 to 3 years due to environmental pressures.

   Grey DunnartMay 14sharelifespanbiologybehavior
6. 04

   The grey dunnart's tail comprises approximately 40 percent of its total body length, aiding balance during its rapid nocturnal movements across sandy terrain.

   Grey DunnartMay 14shareanatomybehavioradaptation
7. 03

   Females of this species produce only one or two litters annually, making reproduction particularly slow compared to other small marsupials.

   Grey DunnartMay 14sharereproductionbiologymarsupial
8. 02

   Native to arid regions of central and western Australia, the grey dunnart shelters in spinifex grass and hunts nocturnal insects and small vertebrates.

   Grey DunnartMay 14sharehabitatbehaviorgeography
9. 01

   Weighing only 2 to 3 grams, the grey dunnart is among Australia's smallest carnivorous marsupials.

   Grey DunnartMay 13sharebiologymeasurementmarsupial