Ampurta
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Scientific name: Dasycercus Hillieri (Thomas, 1905)
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Common name: Ampurta, Hillier's Mulgara
Rat Marsupial a Queue Cretee de Hillier
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Conservation status: Endangered
The
Ampurta is a small, robust, carnivorous marsupial, weighing up to 190g,
body length of about 18cm. The tail is tan with a black upper crest on
the last half, enlarged at the base and tapering to a point. It is
different from the Mulgara, a close relative, in that the tail is
proportionately longer and thinner, and the tail crest has a different
structure.
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Note: Mulgaras in general were recognised as two species by Jones (1923),
Dasycercus Hillieri (Ampurta) and Dasycercus Cristicauda (Mulgara),
but it was later considered by Nowak (1999) and by Groves in Wilson and
Reeder (1993) that Dasycercus Hillieri was a synonym of Dasycercus
Cristicauda. More
recent work by the South Australian Museum has confirmed the original
assessment of at least two or more species. More research is currently
underway with the view of confirming the taxonomic boundaries.
Dasycercus Cristicauda is considered Vulnerable. |
The distribution of the Ampurta is unclear due to the
above mentioned confusion of the two species. It is believed to have
been common in the eastern and southern Simpson Desert region of SA, Qld
and the NT. Early specimens from the Canning Stock Route, WA, and the
Musgrave Range, SA, are believed to be this species.
Its current distribution is parts of north-western
South Australia and south-eastern Northern Territory including a number
of sites in the Simpson Desert. Its habitat appears to be mature Spinifex grasslands
and cane grass on sand dunes.
Although no specific major threats have been
identified, the probable reason for the decline in Ampurta population is
suggested to be habitat destruction by introduced herbivores such as
cattle, sheep, rabbits and camels along with possible predation by cats
and foxes. Also changing fire regimes would have an impact.
Conservation Status
- Australia - Endangered
(Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)
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- Northern Territory - Vulnerable
(Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000)
- Red List - Endangered
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Information
Related Species:
