Common Dunnart

The Common Dunnart (Sminthopsis murina) is a small carnivorous marsupial which is mouse-grey above whilst mostly whitish-grey below.  They have large rounded ears and eyes and have a thin tail. Common Dunnarts prefer dry forests predominately with an open mid storey and ground layer dominated by tussock grasses. In Nillumbik the Common Dunnart prefers to inhabit dry bushland dominated by Red Stringbark and Long-leaf Box with Red-anther Wallaby Grass as the ground layer. The presence of logs and rock are very important as they provide habitat for this species. They feed on a wide range of insects, including beetles, roaches, cricket larvae and spiders.

Populations of Common Dunnart are scattered throughout drier parts of the State. Previously in Nillumbik, from 1980’s to 1990’s, the species had been recorded at multiple sites including Cottles Bridge, Christmas Hills, St Helena, Kangaroo Grounds and Yarrambat. However, recently the Common Dunnart has only been recently recorded in Christmas Hills.

There is little known about the abundance and population dynamics of this species. But it is understood that population numbers have dropped significantly in the past 20-30 years in Victoria. The declining population is likely due to clearing and a reduction in habitat, predation by foxes and cats and inappropriate fire regimes. Parks Victoria has coordinated a management program for the species found at Christmas Hills since 2005.