Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa

The threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale is a creature of the night and evades the spotlight of even the most patient nocturnal wildlife observer.

To track the habits of their elusive little targets, scientists resort to the tricks of the forensic trade using biometric identification techniques to narrow down suitable habitat and investigate any potential roost sites.

The Foundation recently funded a study to discover more about the whereabouts of the species west of the Great Dividing Range. It targeted areas known to have only small numbers of Phascogales, if any at all. The survey sought to determine the size and location of any remaining population.

Scientists installed tubes, which made ideal Phascogale shelters. These tubes were equipped with an inkpad and lined with paper. Animals walking into the tubes left footprints for scientists to identify. This technique was invented in New Zealand, but has never been used for arboreal creatures.

Despite some anecdotal evidence, the study did not reveal any sightings. No evidence of the mammal’s presence in the area was found increasing further the concern about the phascogales steady decline and the contraction of its range.

Although now highly fragmented, the habitat on the Western Slopes is still suitable, and once scientists have found a good solid population, habitat protection may help their young to recolonise the area.

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