Small Marsupials

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PHOTOGRAPHY OF SMAL MAMMALS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Most photos of small terrestrial mammals submitted to Canberra Nature Map for identification that were photographed in the Canberra suburban area are of a Black Rat (Rattus rattus). The next most likely species is the House Mouse (Mus musculus). Outside the city, at present, photos of Black Rats outnumber all other small mammal photos combined. However you may have found something different. Here are some tips for what to include in your photos to increase the potential for correct identification:

An image that is sharp, not blurry;
A scale;
A view of the whole animal (preferably stretched out if it is a carcass);
Views of every surface - (not always possible but ideally this includes a profile of the head, good views of the ears, the belly, the pads on the hind feet, and a good view of the fur and skin on the tail from below and above);
Views of the teeth; and
A count of the number of teats.

Small Marsupials

Antechinuses

Other Small Marsupials

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JoelStibbardBCT wrote:

3 hrs ago

Hi Martin! Do you think after our discussion on the other sighting that this is an agilis?

Antechinus sp. (genus)

JamesLidseyBCT wrote:

Yesterday

@MartinPredavec, ahh I see, thank you for going the extra mile on this one! Great learnings for me as well!

Antechinus agilis

JoelStibbardBCT wrote:

Yesterday

Amazing Martin! Thanks so much for your help. Very happy to know we have you as a moderator!

Antechinus agilis

MartinPredavec wrote:

Yesterday

Hi @JamesLidseyBCT - I've run this particular ID by a good colleague who knows his Antechinus species. His first response was its 'agilis'. Characteristics that he highlighted include:

- Antechinus agilis from the head shape, size, behaviour etc
- flavipes has a more broadly triangular head shape (greater breadth at the zygomatic arches) than agilis, making it appear more robust. The ears are also larger and seem to stand up straight and erect, whereas those of agilis seem to stand out less from the fur on the head (hands up here - this is where I got thrown off track).
- the tail (no terminal dark tip with long hairs).

This will help me going forward.

Cheers,
Martin

Antechinus agilis

JamesLidseyBCT wrote:

11 Aug 2025

@MartinPredavec Thanks Martin! Okay good to know re the characteristics and totally agree on the community wisdom! We are learning quickly that the generic camera trap set up we are getting participants to use is leading to a lot of difficult small mammal ID. Maybe in the future we'll suggest a corkboard vertical set up or suggest adjusting placement next time to change it up and focus more on small mammals/reptiles

When we meet in the future it would be great to get your thoughts/expertise in this area.

Also echoing Joels comments on your help in the project, we are incredibly grateful for your knowledge in verifying or correcting our IDs.

Looking forward to catching up in the future :)

Cheers
James

Antechinus agilis

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Small Marsupials

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