A shared journey
We gratefully acknowledge Djaara (the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the Traditional Custodians of Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) in central Victoria, for over 14 years of partnership.
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Brush-tailed Phascogale for Marsupial of the Year!
We believe in love. Love has the power to change hearts and minds. And the more we spread it, the further it travels. But sometimes, we overlook those worthy of love. Sometimes, it’s because they're not right in front of us and we don’t get the chance to see how wonderful they truly are.
The Brush-tailed Phascogale can be beholden to this trap.
In 2015 three subspecies were identified, and the previous subspecies (Phascogale pirata was confirmed as a separate species - the Northern Brush-tailed Phascogale). The three subspecies are:
- Phascogale tapoatafa: southeast Australia from South Australia to mid-coastal Queensland
- Phascogale wambenger: southwest Western Australia, and
- Phascogale kimberleyensis: Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Image Information
Brush-tailed Phascogale (Getty images).
Brush-tailed Phascogales are nocturnal and rarely seen. However, numbers are declining and threats such as habitat loss, fragmentation and feral predators, are putting it at risk of endangerment.
Recent sightings at our Roundhouse Reserve, inspired us to dial up the love on this mysterious marsupial. Like many lesser-known species, including its relatives the Red-tailed Phascogale of the Dasyuridae family, it can be hard to get to know. But once you do, there’s no going back.
A shy, smart and solitary species
These small marsupials, also known as tuan and wambenger, are agile climbers. With their strong paws and sharp claws, they climb up rough-barked trees, their beady eyes keeping watch for predators. If they feel threatened, they'll raise the black, silky hairs on their big bushy tails as a decoy and distraction. Or, they flee quickly.
They are sprightly and fast, leaping up to two metres through the trees. From dusk to dawn, they move through the treetops, foraging for food such as nectar, insects, spiders and centipedes in the bark, leaf litter, and fallen timber.
A life among the trees
A roaming species, the phascogale is found in large swathes of dry forest and woodlands, especially those with big old hollow-bearing trees where the females can build elaborate nests. They collect bark, feathers and fur, creating a cosy, insulated home. The females stay reasonably close to their shelter (20-70 hectares), typically living up to three years and raising one litter.
A fast and furious life
Males, on the other hand, have a much shorter life. They travel long distances – with a range of up to 100 hectares and a speed of up to 80 metres per minute – in search of a mate.
When their breeding cycle begins, they put all their focus into finding females. They’ll even stop eating so that they can channel all their energy into mating.
It's a frenzy that causes their bodies to break down, and they die … before their first birthdays. Perhaps though, it is the ultimate selfless act. The mothers and the young are then left with more resources, without having to compete with the males for food and shelter.
